Scrum isn’t just a framework—it’s a shield from unreasonable expectations. It protects teams from overload, miscommunication, and last-minute blame games. When done right, it ensures that work is visible, the Sprint goal is clear and attainable, and no one gets ambushed by hidden expectations.
Take this story that a participant shared at a recent Professional Scrum Master course. A Scrum Team sat down for Sprint Planning. After consulting the Product Owner and a key stakeholder, it was agreed that a particular Product Backlog item could be put on the "back burner" in light of other priorities, and it was therefore not pulled into the Sprint. Case closed, right?
Fast forward to the final day of the Sprint. The same stakeholder consulted during Sprint Planning suddenly asked about the Product Backlog item in question and accused a team member of not delivering it by the due date. But the Scrum Master was ready. “We agreed that item was not pulled into the Sprint,” she reminded the team.
Scrum had the developer’s back. The Sprint Backlog—the single source of truth—made it clear what work was actually planned for the Sprint.
Scrum ensures transparency. The Sprint Backlog isn’t just a to-do list; it’s a transparent, living artifact that contains the plan for the Sprint. If it’s not in there, it’s not part of the Sprint. No surprises, no blame.
So, if you ever feel like you’re drowning in shifting priorities or being pressured to take on more than you should, remember—Scrum has your back. It's not about blame. It's about what's the most valuable thing to do next.