Scrum Is a Framework—Agile Is a Set of Guiding Principles
Equating Scrum with Agile leads to rigid implementations and missed opportunities for adaptability.
Myth: Scrum and Agile are the same thing.
Why this is incorrect:
Agile is not a specific process or methodology; it's a set of values and principles outlined in the Agile Manifesto. Scrum is one of several frameworks that implement these principles.
What’s actually true:
Agile emphasizes values like customer collaboration, responding to change, and delivering working software frequently.
Scrum provides a structured approach with defined roles, events, and artifacts to implement Agile principles.
Other frameworks like Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), and Lean also embody Agile principles in different ways.
Why this matters:
Conflating Scrum with Agile can lead teams to focus solely on Scrum's mechanics, neglecting the underlying Agile principles. This often results in "doing Agile" without "being Agile," where teams follow Scrum rituals without embracing the flexibility and continuous improvement that Agile promotes.
Force multiplier insight:
Scrum Masters who emphasize Agile principles over rigid adherence to Scrum practices enable teams to adapt processes to their unique contexts, fostering true agility.
Takeaway:
Scrum is a tool to implement Agile principles—not a synonym for Agile itself. Embrace the principles to guide your practices, not the other way around.