There are a lot of articles I’ve read recently which highlight the importance and purpose of a particular  component of Scrum. I’ve found that a constant barrage of these super specific call-outs can have an inverse  effect – I am less able to focus on what’s most important ​right now.

As a professional Scrum Master, the impact of being able to learn more about a particular piece of the  framework can be invaluable but the bigger picture and idealism can get lost when buried in the minutiae.

What is it all about?

It seems impossible to boil the framework down to one core piece or part of the process as being “the most  important.” I’ve had heated debates with folks on this who would say that a Definition of “Done” is the key  element to making Scrum work, or that if only they had a strong Product Owner, the rest of it would all fall into  place. I’ve fallen into this trap myself – it’s a natural response. When we see something that doesn’t align with  our vision of the perfect implementation, we are quick to simplify the problem so that we can simplify the  solution. Unfortunately, my experience has never been that straight-forward.

When I’m asked to talk about what Scrum is to folks who are not in product development, I struggle to find an  elevator pitch that leaves me feeling that I’ve done justice to the inherent complexity of development and people  as well as the comfort and implications that the framework brings to the surface.

A more holistic view of Scrum is needed to truly keep its components cohesive  and relevant. The framework, in my mind, is less like a jigsaw puzzle where  each piece fits together to create a masterpiece and more like those ancient  labyrinths where the configuration is simple enough to allow those on the  path an opportunity to discover something new and the onus lies with the  sojourner not the maze.

Starting the change

It is very likely that the majority of people who want to see change and want to employ that change using Scrum  have varying perspectives on what is most valuable to them. There is certainly an incredible amount of value in  having a unifying vision at any organization. Being able to rely on your leaders to coalesce as a group that builds  confidence in the direction of your organization breeds a sense of comfort and sustainability. However, the role  that each individual takes to redefine an organization through the use of Scrum is necessarily going to vary and  that is a ​good thing!

The power of an individual’s perspective on a small team of people can have huge impacts. I’ve seen people take  on challenges and improve organizations armed only with the understandin