You know that Scrum is founded on empiricism. It means that, as you don't know everything in advance in a complex project, you should be open to changing your direction as you learn more along the way.
Empiricism is the use of past facts and evidence for upcoming decision-making.
Let me give you an example.
Driving your car
Imagine trying to drive your car strictly based on a Gantt chart and upfront planning. It would assure you that if you follow the plan exactly, you’ll reach your destination on time.
But what happens when you encounter the realities of the road? Pedestrians, other vehicles, cyclists, traffic lights, and emergency vehicles—none of these variables can be fully predicted in advance. Rigidly sticking to such a plan would likely lead to mistakes, delays, or even accidents.
Instead, driving is based on an adaptive approach: seeing the surroundings transparently through the car’s windows, frequently inspecting the environment, and adapting as needed. You adjust speed, brake, or change course to respond to the ever-changing conditions of the road. This dynamic process is how drivers navigate uncertainties safely and effectively.
Scrum applies the same approach to manage uncertainties in product development. By promoting transparency, regular inspection, and timely adaptation, Scrum ensures teams respond to challenges dynamically, making informed decisions in real time.
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