When we talk about Scrum, the conversation often revolves around its five core values: Commitment, Courage, Focus, Openness, and Respect. These values are the bedrock of successful Agile teams. But here’s the kicker—values alone don’t drive behavior. It’s the beliefs underlying those values that shape how we think, act, and interact with our teams. Beliefs form the mindset that powers the engine of Scrum. If we want our teams to truly live by Scrum values, we need to dig deeper and align their beliefs with the mindset needed to support those values.

Beliefs and Values: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Let’s start by unpacking the difference between beliefs and values. Values are the principles or standards of behavior we hold dear—think of them as the ‘what’ that guides us. Beliefs, on the other hand, are the convictions or acceptances that something is true or real. They form the ‘why’ behind our actions.

For example, if we value Courage, it’s because we believe that taking risks is necessary for innovation. If we value Openness, it’s because we believe that honesty and transparency lead to better outcomes. Beliefs shape our mindset, and it’s this mindset that ultimately dictates how we behave in any given situation.

Aligning Beliefs with Scrum Values

For a Scrum team to truly embody the Scrum values, each member’s beliefs must align with the mindset those values require. If a team member doesn’t believe in the importance of transparency (Openness), they’re less likely to share challenges openly. If they don’t believe that focus leads to better results (Focus), they’re more likely to multitask and spread themselves too thin.

Here’s a closer look at the beliefs underpinning each Scrum value and how aligning these beliefs with the team’s mindset can transform behavior:

1. Commitment:
   • Belief: “I am responsible for the outcomes of my work.”
   • Mindset Shift: Encourage team members to take ownership of their tasks by setting clear, personal goals. A Scrum Master can facilitate this by regularly revisiting the team’s purpose and showing how individual contributions impact the whole.
2. Courage:
   • Belief: “Taking risks is necessary for growth.”
   • Mindset Shift: Create an environment where it’s safe to fail. Normalize failure as a learning opportunity by celebrating what the team learns from setbacks. As a Scrum Master, lead by example—share your own experiences with risk-taking and its outcomes.
3. Focus:
   • Belief: “Prioritizing the most important work leads to better results.”
   • Mindset Shift: Help the team prioritize by limiting work in progress (WIP) and emphasizing the value of finishing over starting. Use daily stand-ups to reinforce this belief, asking not just what’s being worked on, but what’s being completed.
4. Openness:
   • Belief: “Honesty and transparency build trust and improve outcomes.”
   • Mindset Shift: Foster a culture of open communication by actively soliciting feedback and creating spaces where team members feel comfortable voicing their opinions. Encourage the team to share challenges early, reinforcing that Openness is not just a value but a necessity for success.
5. Respect:
   • Belief: “Everyone’s contribution is valuable.”
   • Mindset Shift: Show genuine appreciation for all contributions, big or small. As a Scrum Master, model respectful behavior by listening actively and acknowledging diverse perspectives. Facilitate team-building activities that highlight the unique strengths of each member.

How to Shift Mindsets as a Scrum Master

Changing mindsets isn’t about flipping a switch; it’s about consistent, deliberate effort. Here are a few strategies for Scrum Masters to help align their team’s beliefs with the Scrum values:

• Lead by Example: Your actions set the tone for the team. If you value Openness, be transparent in your communication. If you value Courage, take calculated risks and share the outcomes, whether positive or negative.
• Reinforce Positive Behavior: Recognize and reward behaviors that align with the desired mindset. This could be as simple as giving shout-outs during retrospectives or as structured as implementing a recognition program.
• Facilitate Mindset-Focused Workshops: Run workshops or retrospectives that specifically address the beliefs behind Scrum values. Use exercises that challenge the team to reflect on their beliefs and consider how these beliefs drive their behavior.
• Create a Safe Space for Growth: Encourage experimentation and learning. Make it clear that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not failures. This will help shift the team’s belief towards viewing challenges as part of the process, not obstacles.
• Continuous Reflection: Use retrospectives not just to review what went well or poorly in a sprint, but to dig deeper into the beliefs that drove those outcomes. Ask questions like, “What belief led to this decision?” or “How did our mindset impact our results?”

Conclusion: Beliefs as the Bedrock of Scrum Success

At the end of the day, the success of a Scrum team hinges not just on adopting Scrum values, but on embracing the beliefs that underpin those values. As a Scrum Master, your role is to guide your team in aligning their beliefs with the mindset necessary to live these values fully. By focusing on the ‘why’ behind the ‘what,’ you can help your team cultivate a mindset that not only supports Scrum but drives it to its fullest potential.

This isn’t just about building better products; it’s about building better teams—teams that are resilient, adaptable, and driven by a shared belief in the power of Agile. And that, my friends, is where the magic happens.