Who Are The Developers In The Scrum Team? 🤷‍♀️ Based On Scrum Guide 2020

Summary

In this video, Joshua Partogi discusses the changes in the 2020 Scrum Guide, focusing on the inclusion of the term 'developers' and its broader interpretation beyond software roles. He clarifies misconceptions that Scrum is limited to IT and emphasizes its adaptability for various fields. Using examples, Joshua explains that Scrum teams are cross-functional, combining diverse skills to achieve product goals. He advocates for focusing on the purpose and skills over job titles, promoting a unified, value-driven approach. The video aims to dispel confusion and encourage inclusivity in Scrum implementation.

Takeaways

• 🤓 The term 'developers' in Scrum Guide 2020 has caused discussions, especially on whether developers only refer to software coders.
• 📚 Scrum originated from a paper called 'The New New Product Development Game' by Professors Takeuchi and Nonaka, which described cross-functional teams working towards a product goal.
• 🛠 The term 'developers' in Scrum is not limited to software developers but includes all product developers, regardless of the industry or domain.
• 💡 Scrum is a framework for adaptive solutions to complex problems and can be applied beyond IT or software development.
• 🏗 In Scrum, teams are cross-functional, meaning the team collectively possesses all the necessary skills to achieve the product goal.
• 🔍 Understanding the product and identifying the skills needed to develop that product is crucial for the effectiveness of Scrum.
• 🏢 Scrum can be used outside IT contexts, such as in healthcare for vaccine development or in banking for financial products.
• 🤝 Scrum teams include specialists and generalists, and not every individual needs to be cross-functional, but the team as a whole must be.
• 👩‍🔬 Developers in a Scrum team can include professionals from various fields like optical engineering, pharmacology, public health, and more, depending on the product being developed.
• ⚡ Scrum simplifies the term 'developers' to unify everyone contributing to the product, regardless of their job titles, and encourages collaboration towards the common product goal.

Q & A

What change in the Scrum Guide 2020 has sparked discussions, according to the video?

The introduction of the term 'developers' in Scrum Guide 2020 has sparked discussions, particularly around whether it exclusively refers to people who write software code.

Does the term 'developers' in Scrum Guide 2020 only refer to software engineers?

No, 'developers' in Scrum Guide 2020 does not only refer to software engineers. It includes all team members with skills necessary to develop a product, whether it's software or not.

Why is the term 'developers' used in Scrum, and what does it signify?

The term 'developers' is used in Scrum to simplify and unify the team members working on a product. It signifies anyone contributing to developing the product, not just those who write code.

Can Scrum be used outside of IT or software development? Provide an example from the video.

Yes, Scrum can be used outside of IT or software development. One example given in the video is using Scrum to develop a vaccine, which involves people with skills in fields like pharmacology, clinical trials, and public health.

What historical research influenced the development of Scrum, and who conducted it?

Scrum was influenced by a paper titled 'The New New Product Development Game,' written by Professors Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka, who observed high-performing teams in companies like NEC and Honda.

What is the significance of cross-functional teams in Scrum?

In Scrum, cross-functional teams are essential because they bring together all the necessary skills to achieve the product goal. It’s the team as a whole that must be cross-functional, not each individual member.

Why was it difficult to choose a term for the people contributing to product development in Scrum?

Choosing a term was difficult because it had to be broad enough to include people beyond software developers and fit various cultural and business contexts without being limiting or too specific.

What alternative terms were suggested to replace 'developers' in Scrum, and why were they rejected?

Alternative terms like 'implementors,' 'deliverers,' 'builders,' and 'doers' were suggested, but they were rejected because they were either too limiting, static, or did not capture the creative and innovative aspects of product development.

How does Scrum Guide 2020 aim to make Scrum more widely applicable?

Scrum Guide 2020 simplifies the language and avoids making Scrum software-centric, ensuring that the framework can be applied to a wide range of industries and product types, not just software development.

What is the key lesson about naming and labels in Scrum, according to the video?

The key lesson is that names and job titles can create silos. Instead of focusing on labels, the focus should be on the shared purpose and skills needed to achieve the product goal.