New Scrum teams aren't perfect, but when you use Scrum to get better, you get better at Scrum. So often, when you first start using Scrum, it can feel like you're just going through the motions. And while that can be frustrating, it's also a part of learning.
When teams first adopt Scrum, they’re learning a new way of working. They might treat the events as checkboxes. They might struggle with accountability, transparency, or delivering value every Sprint. That’s normal. The structure of Scrum provides a starting point, giving teams the opportunity to improve not by talking about Scrum, but by using Scrum.
When you use Scrum, over time you should start to see:
The Daily Scrum shift from a status update to a real plan for the day.
Sprint Planning become about setting achievable goals rather than just filling a Sprint with work.
Sprint Reviews evolve into meaningful conversations with stakeholders.
Retrospectives move beyond surface-level observations to real, continuous improvement.
Getting Started
Don't be afraid to get started, even if you aren't perfect at first. By just getting started with Scrum, teams can work together to find out what really works for them. They get better at inspecting and adapting. They stop just going through the motions and start making thoughtful improvements to the way they work and what they deliver.
Here are some tips for teams getting started with Scrum:
Really use the Retrospective. Come up with one action item - no matter how small - at every Sprint Retrospective. And take action on it as soon as possible.
Don't skip the Retrospective. It's not a waste of time.
Be open to change. You can't get better if nothing changes.
The key here is that you don't start out perfect, but you don't stop improving either. Scrum is built upon empiricism, which means that we are transparent about how it's going and what is delivered, so that we can honestly inspect progress so that we can adapt. That adaptation applies to what is being delivered but also how we work together on the Scrum team itself.
So, if you’re feeling like you’re just going through the motions, don’t panic. Keep going. Keep practicing. Because the best way to get better at Scrum is to use the Scrum framework.
Are you just getting started on your Scrum journey? Don't let myths about Scrum hold you back! Illustrated Scrum Myths by Mary Iqbal is a fun way to explore common myths about Scrum and how to find the deeper truth behind the myths.