Scrum Theory: Why courage is the innovation generator on the scrum team
Scrum Theory
Why courage is the innovation generator on the scrum team
In a scrum workshop I attended, we were asked to choose a few scrum values and write why we think its important. Ironically in a large class with only 5 scrum values to choose from, only one person chose "courage." Well, time was up and guess who was chosen to comment on courage. You have one guess- The shyest person in the room!
What Really is Courage?
The funny thing about courage, is a lot of people confuse it with other feelings and values. Sometimes it is confused with confidence, preparedness, responsibility, reliability, impulsivity. People with these characteristics often think of themselves as courageous and often some of these characteristics do make it more likely for someone to speak up. However, courage is really about doing the right thing as the motivation. Often the person who sees things from a different perspective than the louder voices on a team get silenced, and it takes courage to start a dialogue from a different perspective.
How Courage Allows a Team to Be Agile
Courage allows a team to be Agile because it allows for someone to speak up and question the status quo. This makes the team more adaptable to efficiency and the true needs of the project. Courage can get a team back on course if there is scope creep, or if a product issue is discovered. Courage is also needed to ask for help. Courage is a time-saver in the larger scheme of things.
Creating a Safe Space
Work environments are for work. Employees accomplish the best work in a safe environment where all are free to do their job, succeed, and present their perspective. Scrum teams succeed when the values are observed by all team members: commitment, courage, focus, openness, and respect. Scrum masters and product owners should demonstrate these values and take the lead in demonstrating Scrum values creating a safe environment for team innovation.
Innovation Generator
Courage generates innovation because more voices are heard when a new perspective is presented. Courage leads to an exchange of ideas, more efficiency, more adaptability, and that leads to more agility!
