Change is hard. And adopting Agile is no different. Starting with Scrum can feel like stepping into a whirlwind of new terms, accountabilities, and events. Many new teams think they need to add layers of processes to "do Scrum right." But here’s the truth: Scrum was designed to be simple—deliberately so. Adding too much too soon can actually slow you down, making it harder to reach the value Scrum is built to deliver.
The Myth of “More Process = Better Scrum
New Scrum teams often believe that extra processes or rules will help with the adoption of the Scrum framework. It’s easy to see why: adding steps or details can feel like you’re gaining control. Maybe it’s a checklist of tasks for every Sprint Planning session, or a mandatory template for Retrospectives. But more process doesn’t necessarily mean more progress.
Scrum’s power comes from its simplicity. Each event, accountability, and artifact serves a specific purpose. Adding more layers doesn’t enhance this—it only creates obstacles between your team and the goals you’re trying to achieve. Extra processes can make you lose sight of Scrum’s focus: delivering value and improving with every Sprint.
Start with the Basics
Scrum’s framework is intentionally lightweight. Here’s a quick look at the essentials:
3 Accountabilities: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Development Team. Each accountability is there to support the team in reaching their goals.
5 Events: Sprint, Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective. These events keep work flowing and give the team a rhythm.
3 Artifacts: Product Backlog, Sprint Backlog, and Increment. They’re there to make work visible and ensure the team is always progressing toward the end goal.
That’s it. These basics are what make Scrum work. When new teams add processes or steps before they've even adopted Scrum, they risk burying this framework under layers of busywork that don’t actually help them deliver better products.
Why “Keep it Simple” Works Best - at least in the beginning
Starting simple lets new teams focus on what’s important: building and delivering value. Without the weight of extra processes, teams have more flexibility to learn and adapt, using Scrum to respond to real needs rather than predefined routines.
Imagine starting a Sprint with only the Product Backlog, a clear goal, and the commitment to work together as a team. There’s no template dictating every move, no rigid task list. Instead, you’re free to approach the work in the way that best suits your team’s unique strengths and challenges. And that’s how Scrum’s framework can really shine.
Staying Agile Means Staying Light
Scrum is about being agile, not just in name but in practice. Overloading your team with extra steps makes it harder to adjust and improve. Every additional layer of process is something your team has to manage, measure, and refine over time. It’s more weight to carry.
When teams start with Scrum’s basics, they’re able to stay light and nimble. They can adapt quickly when something’s not working and build on what is. As they grow in experience, they might decide to add their own variations—but by that time, they know what works for them. Starting simple helps teams learn what they need instead of assuming they need it all from the start.
Tips for New Teams: Embrace the Basics
If you’re just starting with Scrum, keep this in mind: Less is more. Here’s how to put that into practice:
1. Resist the urge to over-plan. Set a Sprint Goal and focus on that goal. Avoid planning every tiny detail.
2. Trust the framework. Scrum’s events and accountabilities are there to help you collaborate—try following them without adding extra steps or meetings.
3. Use the Retrospective. Don't just go through the motions of the Retrospective. Really use it to improve the way you work together.
Conclusion
Starting simple in Scrum doesn’t mean you’re doing less; it means you’re focusing on what’s important. It’s the easiest way for new teams to get familiar with Scrum and figure out what works for them.
New to the Scrum framework? Sign up for Rebel Scrum's Applying Professional Scrum course or contact us to schedule a date for your team to experience this course together. This is your opportunity to get an understanding of the accountabilities, events and artifacts of Scrum so that you start off on the right foot together.
Illustrated Scrum Myths by Mary Iqbal is a practical toolkit that empowers you to navigate the complexities of Scrum adoption for your Scrum team. This book contains almost 300 pages of advice and over 100 full-color illustrations. Skip around or read it cover to cover for tips and tricks to help your team focus on value - not process.
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