The Scrum framework thrives on empirical process control. The inspection of observable results gives us insights in what might be most valuable next, always acknowledging that the future is unwritten. The Scrum events function best when employed in such forward looking mode. Inspection is pointless if not followed by adaptation. Thus we shape the future in short, focused iterations.
This is the spirit through which we consider the future state of Scrum. Observing the past Scrum waves, we anticipate the next, the 3rd Scrum wave that is rising. We aim at surfing the wave. We shape the wave.
‘Agile’ started crossing the chasm as from 2005-2006, much enabled by the increasing popularity of Scrum. An Agile way of working through Scrum became an accepted way of creating and delivering products. In the subsequent 1st Scrum wave many across the globe started discovering the benefits of Scrum, albeit predominantly from an IT perspective. Organisations moved away from endless sequential phases and gateways to begin exploring the advantages of iterative-incremental software delivery. The 1st Scrum wave was about adopting Scrum, a first encounter with Scrum, the start of a journey.
In the slipstream of this 1st Scrum wave sub-groups, derivative and new movements and methods were invented, presented, launched. And often disbanded again. Overall, scattering ruled, even with Scrum being the actual standard, even with the definition of Scrum being formalised in 2010 in the Scrum Guide. A bowling alley of problems to be addressed were raised, a broad range of pins, including challenges that were presumed to be unaddressed and even to be unaddressable through Scrum. In 2010-2011 we saw a sudden desire of large organisations to transition to this ‘Agile’ thing, quickly. The tone for the 2nd Scrum wave was set, a wave of diverging Scrum.
2016-2017. More people and organisations than ever are putting an end to hamster wheels, gasp for room to reflect, to improve, to innovate. Too often still, however, the organisational waste, abuse and impediments ruthlessly highlighted by Scrum, are ignored. Rat races continue, Scrum is underused as a way out. The 3rd Scrum wave is fuelled by the desire for rhythm, focus and simplicity, the will to further humanise the workplace. Agile and Scrum are recognised as two inseparable ingredients for healthier and more humane ecosystems that deliver better products. The understanding keeps growing that creativity starts and ends with people, not with procedures, tools or games. People living the Scrum values is the catalyst to re.imagine Scrum. Rays of convergence shine through the rage of the tornado. The 3rd Scrum wave is about enacting Scrum, the well-defined and clearly stated framework that leaves plenty of room for variation, room for a diversity of strategies to employ.
We have come a long way. We look forward. We walk on. We sow more seeds. We fertilise the grounds. We employ and re.imagine Scrum to re.vers.ify our organisations.
THE 3RD SCRUM WAVE IS RISING. WILL YOU SINK? MAYBE SWIM? OR WILL YOU SURF?
The 3rd Scrum Wave (a forward looking observation)
What did you think about this post?
Share with your network
Comments (4)
There certainly seems to be a big momentum behind Scrum. I think this has been helped as organisations have struggled with the waterfall approach. I am enjoying learning about Scrum and think it is a great technique. I do however fear that if organisations get it wrong like with waterfall they will then move to the next wave.
A valid concern, Barry. I do believe the core principles of Scrum to be so strong that they will persist, and sooner or later will be adopted, in the end even by those who get it wrong for a while.
My big question about that momentum is the number of organizations simply claiming to use the Scrum framework but really just doing waterfall with two-week deadlines and daily(ish) status reports versus those actually living and working the agile philosophy. There are plenty of organizations who have that basic misunderstanding and throw buzzwords (i.e. Agile and Scrum) around in order to appear to be hip/current. I believe that your last statement is spot on as I have seen organizations jump from one "agile process" misunderstanding to another without change, learning, or true investment.
Interesting. I actually perceive this third wave as being about Organisations adapting so that they can interface properly with Scrum and similar principles. Much talk has been made about Agile scaling to meet the needs of an Organisation. Now I think the Organisations need to transform to meet the needs of Agile (and reap the benefits). See: http://agile102.blogspot.co... for example.