Respect is one of the Scrum values that means recognizing the value of each individual and their contribution, trusting them to fulfill their tasks, listening to and considering their ideas, and acknowledging their accomplishments. Respect also means honoring the diversity of people, their experiences, and their opinions. Respect facilitates collaboration, learning, and creativity in the Scrum Team.
Some statements that demonstrate respectful behavior in the Scrum Team are:
Respect the accountabilities of the Scrum Team members. This means that each role in the Scrum Team has a clear set of responsibilities and expectations, and that other team members respect those boundaries and do not interfere with or undermine them. For example, the Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product and the work of the Developers, and the Developers respect that by following the Product Owner’s guidance on what to work on and what not to work on. The Scrum Master is accountable for establishing Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide, causing change that increases the productivity of the Scrum Team, and working with other Scrum Masters to increase the effectiveness of the application of Scrum in the organization. The Developers respect that by adhering to the Scrum framework, being open to feedback and improvement, and collaborating with other Scrum Teams when needed.
Respect people, their experience, diversity, and difference in opinion. This means that each person in the Scrum Team is valued as a skilled professional who brings unique perspectives and insights to the team. The team members respect each other’s expertise, skills, and ideas, and are willing to learn from each other and from their stakeholders. They also respect that people may have different opinions or preferences on how to approach a problem or a solution, and they seek to understand those differences rather than dismiss or ignore them. They engage in constructive dialogue and respectful disagreement when necessary, and they support team decisions even if they are not their personal choices.
Some statements that do not demonstrate respectful behavior in the Scrum Team are:
Respect the Product Owner by letting them change the Sprint Goal during the Sprint. This is not respectful because it violates the Scrum framework and undermines theDevelopers’ autonomy and commitment. The Sprint Goal is a shared objective that provides guidance to the Developers on why they are building an Increment. It is crafted by the Product Owner in collaboration with the Developers during Sprint Planning, and it remains fixed for the duration of the Sprint unless a significant change occurs that invalidates it. Allowing the Product Owner to change the Sprint Goal during the Sprint would disrupt the focus and alignment of the Developers, introduce uncertainty and confusion, and reduce transparency and accountability.
Respect stakeholder expectations that Scrum Teams will meet their forecast. This is not respectful because it implies that stakeholders have unrealistic or unreasonable expectations that are not based on empirical evidence or feedback. The forecast is a plan for what functionality will be delivered in an Increment by the end of a Sprint. It is based on what is known at Sprint Planning, but it is not a guarantee or a commitment. The forecast may change during the Sprint as new information emerges or as unforeseen challenges arise. The Scrum Team respects stakeholders by being transparent about their progress and any changes to their forecast, by delivering a valuable Increment at least by the end of every Sprint, by seeking feedback from stakeholders during Sprint Review, and by incorporating that feedback into future Sprints.
References:
The Scrum Values
Understanding the 5 Scrum Values
Top 5 Scrum Values & Principles
