The Power of Obvious Advice and the Value Delivery Chasm in Scrum

The Power of Obvious Advice and the Value Delivery Chasm in Scrum

Introduction:
In our pursuit of success and improvement, we often seek out advice that promises to be groundbreaking and counterintuitive. However, it is important to remember that good advice is often "obvious." It may not be new information, but it can still be incredibly helpful in guiding us towards our goals. This article explores the significance of obvious advice and its relevance in different contexts, including the realm of Scrum and value delivery.

The Importance of Obvious Advice:
When we label advice as "obvious," we are not referring to its novelty, but rather to its ability to challenge our intuitions. Our intuitions are subjective and often fuzzy, leading us to overlook simple and straightforward solutions. Therefore, even if advice seems apparent, it can still serve as a valuable reminder or prompt for action. Instead of constantly seeking new secrets, we should focus on identifying and implementing the basics that we might have overlooked.

The Power of Connection:
By connecting different pieces of seemingly obvious advice, we can gain unique insights and a deeper understanding of the subject at hand. For example, when discussing the promotion of a book, it may be common knowledge that appearing on podcasts can be beneficial. However, not many authors actually take advantage of this strategy. By connecting this advice with the idea of resurfacing existing knowledge and relationships, we can unlock new opportunities for success.

The Fallacy of Perfect Scrum:
In the world of Scrum, there is a temptation to obsess over perfecting the process, believing that it will automatically lead to value delivery. However, this is a fallacy. Scrum is a framework that focuses on building a Product Increment that satisfies the Sprint Goal and meets the Definition of Done. While these are important milestones, they do not guarantee value delivery. Scrum intentionally leaves room for identifying what is truly valuable and evolving towards that goal.

The Value Delivery Chasm:
The biggest obstacle to delivering value in Scrum is not about doing the process right, but rather about crossing the value delivery chasm. Scrum does not provide answers to questions such as what exactly should be delivered or whether it is truly valuable. It is a purposefully incomplete framework that requires additional considerations. To bridge this gap, we must shift our focus from the mechanics of Scrum to actively seeking ways to enhance value delivery.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the Obvious: Don't dismiss advice simply because it seems obvious. Take the time to reflect on how it aligns with your goals and whether you have overlooked implementing it in your life or work.

2. Connect the Dots: Look for connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of advice or knowledge. By doing so, you can uncover new insights and opportunities that may have been previously overlooked.

3. Prioritize Value Delivery: Instead of fixating on perfecting the process, shift your focus towards delivering value. Continuously evaluate the significance of your actions and ensure they align with your overall goals and objectives.

Conclusion:
Obvious advice may not be groundbreaking or revolutionary, but it can still provide valuable guidance and insights. By embracing the obvious, connecting different points of knowledge, and prioritizing value delivery, we can enhance our personal and professional endeavors. Remember, success is not always about discovering secrets but about implementing the basics effectively and continuously improving along the way.