When we work together, we share successes and failures. This allows us to support ourselves and develop in such a way that we deserve mutual respect. It is worth remembering that only a relationship built on respect gives people the opportunity to fulfill and develop. In such an atmosphere it is possible to realize the other values of Scrum: courage, commitment, concentration and openness.
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Learn more about 5 scrum values
Scrum values – respect
Respect is one of the values in Scrum. When we think of it, our thoughts naturally focus on the respect that team members and stakeholders have for each other. This is expressed in the fact that we respect the other person’s opinion, even if it is completely different from ours. We listen to arguments and critically evaluate our assumptions, allowing ourselves to be mistaken. It’s the definition of respectful collaboration.
We understand that Scrum team members have different experiences, approaches to life, and characters. We believe, however, that they give the team their full commitment and we support them in this to the best of our ability.
We respect our time while attending Scrum ceremonies. We try to be punctual and prepared. We understand their purpose and with our attitude, we try to serve them best.
Read also: The Complete Guide to Agile Project Management
What makes a high-performing Agile development team?
A respectful environment begins with leaders. They are responsible for maintaining good relations and helping with resolving tensions and conflicts between members. Respect is essential in preventing altercations.
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Book a meetingScrum Master and his role
Scrum Master, a servant-leader, is responsible for building and developing such attitudes in the Team. His behavior, and the way he speaks and fulfills his role, shape the environment in which the team will grow.
It is Scrum Master who is the first person that should notice negative attitudes and try to influence change. It could be a delay to a daily standup due to a lack of involvement in work, conflicts or real arguments in the team that have nothing to do with the atmosphere of respect. He also needs to remember how important constructive feedback is. Such an approach prevents tensions and conflicts.
A good example of building respect in a team can be the involvement of an Agile coach. By sharing knowledge and skills, he not only facilitates work on future projects but also builds a better team atmosphere by creating a safe environment for developers.
Product Owner can promote the value of respect
Scrum promotes respect by including certain attitudes to solving complex problems. But respect in Scrum, however, should not be limited to the relationships in the programming team. The Product Owner, who closely cooperates with the team, can help in this matter as he represents the business. Extending the concept of respect in Scrum beyond the atmosphere of the Development Team, allows you to see an additional field to develop this value.
The Product Owner expresses his respect for the Team by giving them ownership of the Sprint Backlog. He trusts that the Team knows best how much work can be done in a given Iteration and how to do it. This way, people work with autonomy which creates opportunity for growth. PO also promotes respect by solving complex problems and adapting to, very often, unfavorable backgrounds.
On the other hand, the Team is fully committed to the tasks entrusted to it and respects the Product Owner and the Stakeholders who know they can rely on the Team members. Importantly, in a respectful environment, the Team should also communicate openly about delivered and non-delivered functionalities.
Benefits of respect in Scrum – summary
Value of respect in Agile methodology is undeniable. Respect in relations between people is a long-lasting process, and requires support at every stage of the team’s life and, more broadly, product development.
An extremely difficult test of the maturity of relations is the moment when the Customer changes their mind or is mistaken, and also when… the Team makes a mistake. In Scrum, it is a natural situation and if it happens in an open and well-intentioned environment, it should be accepted and understood. A responsible and self-respecting team is one in which members tend to deal with criticism. It is worth remembering and striving for it while making decisions.
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