Scrum is not only about delivering increments of value to the end-user, it’s also about changing our mindset from “getting this done” to “getting things to-done”, meaning that any change that we embark on as a team, is a process, not a goal that is attained in a specific timeframe.
I started applying the Scrum methodology in my little print shop in 2020, right after I became a Scrum Master. Energized and excited about the prospect of bringing the efficiencies that the IT world has been enjoying for decades, I thought that I was going to complete the transformation in a few months. The reality was worse and better at the same time.
Worse and better than expected
Transforming my print shop into a beautiful example of what Scrum can do outside of the IT industry was a bumpy road, full of mini triumphs and setbacks. For example, it took 3 years to finally migrate our project management from an analog Scrum Board to Trello, allowing me to have more free time to go out and find new customers and increase our sales. It also took many years for my team to understand what owning a task meant, or to define what “done” was. But it was these many years of trial and error that made me a better leader, clearer and firmer on what the company needed to excel, and at the same time open to receiving the input of my staff.
It’s a journey
One of the most important lessons I learned from applying Scrum in my print shop is that there is no endpoint to the transformation. Scrum is not a destination, but a journey. A journey of continuous improvement, learning, and adaptation. A journey that requires focus, respect, courage, openness, and commitment from everyone involved.
That’s why I don’t measure the success of my Scrum implementation by how closely it resembles the textbook version, but by how much value it delivers to my customers and my business. And by that metric, I can say that Scrum has been a game-changer for me and my team.
We have increased our productivity, quality, and customer satisfaction by delivering faster and more frequently. We have reduced our waste, errors, and rework by inspecting and adapting our work processes regularly. We have fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and empowerment by giving each team member a voice and a stake in the outcome.
And we have done all this while having fun and enjoying our work (sometimes 😉
Is Scrum for everyone?
If you are thinking of applying Scrum in your non-IT business, don’t be discouraged by the challenges you will face along the way. Remember that getting better is made out of many small baby steps, and that each step counts. And most importantly, remember that Scrum is not a destination, but a journey. A journey that will make you and your business better every day, so be patient and don’t give up.