Agile frameworks and the myth of the all powerful scrum

Out of over 50 agile frameworks - the two leading two contenders, Scrum and Kanban, offer distinct approaches to project management. It's important to underline that while Scrum is a widely adopted framework, it may not always be the optimal choice for every team or project.

One of the key advantages of Scrum is its ability to deliver predictable outcomes. With defined sprint goals, teams can plan and deliver (Adam Ant?). The regular sprint reviews also foster continuous improvement, allowing teams to reflect on their progress and make necessary adjustments.

However, Scrum is not without its drawbacks. The fixed-length sprints and associated deadlines can sometimes lead to high levels of stress, potentially impacting team morale. This structured approach may not align with all team dynamics or project requirements, particularly in cases where flexibility is paramount. (8 out 10 cats prefer a stress free environment)

Kanban, in contrast, offers a more fluid and adaptable approach to project management. This method visualizes the workflow and limits work in progress (WIP), enabling teams to focus on completing tasks as they come in, rather than sticking to predefined sprint schedules.
Advantages of Kanban

Kanban excels in environments where workloads are unpredictable. The flexibility it provides allows teams to respond to shifting priorities with ease. Additionally, the reduced emphasis on strict time constraints can lead to a more relaxed and less stressful work environment.

Yet, it may be more challenging to measure progress or predict when specific features will be completed. Additionally, teams may need to be more disciplined in managing their WIP limits to avoid overcommitting.

Ultimately, the decision between Scrum and Kanban should be based on the specific needs and dynamics of your development team and not because "it's how we have always done it", 2 week sprints fir into a productmanagers excel sheet or that orgs have never heard of "kanban master" qualification.

Instead, consider the nature of your projects, the team's preferred working style, and the expectations of stakeholders. experiment with different/hybrid approaches, combining elements of Scrum and Kanban (amongst others!!).
Use what works - BE AGILE!

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