Our values shape our behaviours, and in turn shape our actions and outcomes. Values underpin all cultures from both the perspective of societies and organisations. To focus on building a strong culture we must embody shared values.
Successful use of Scrum depends on people becoming more proficient in living five values: [1]
These values give direction to the Scrum Team with regard to their work, actions and behaviour.
Two approaches to decision making are rules-based and values-based.
When basing decisions on rules, we require prescriptive direction given to those in the organisation. Such an approach may have benefits (e.g. lack of ambiguity where rules apply, faster application for new starters) but is detrimental if the organisation wishes to cultivate self-managing teams.
When decisions are based of values, individuals are empowered to utilise their own judgement. In managing traffic, traffic lights and roundabouts are analogous to rules and values-based decision making: [2]
The latter is more consistent with Scrum values as we respect others to make value-based decisions, and have the courage to do so.
A Team Charter is an excellent method for embedding values and behaviours within a team. [3] When constructing a Team Charter, the Scrum values may be incorporated within the team values.
