a·gen·tic a·gil·i·ty

Quotes: "I estimate that 75% of those organisations using Scrum will not succeed in getting the benefits that they hope for from it." - Ken Schwaber

TL;DR; Most organisations using Scrum do not achieve the benefits they expect because they focus on team-level practices instead of making broader organisational changes. Success requires adopting an agile mindset across the whole company, securing management support, and continuously improving processes. Development managers should drive holistic transformation beyond just the development team to increase the chances of real Scrum success.

Published on
2 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/dT1_zHfzto0
Subscribe

The Reality of Scrum Adoption 🤔  

Ken Schwaber once declared that a staggering 75% of organisations utilising Scrum won’t reap the benefits they anticipate.  

But let’s take a moment, step back, and consider: could it be even higher? 😮 

In this candid reflection, I argue that perhaps 90% of organisations might fall short in their Scrum journey.  

Why? Let’s delve deeper

Why Organisations Miss the Mark: A Deeper Look 🎯  

The crux of the issue lies in focusing solely on the team-level mechanisms of Scrum without acknowledging the broader organisational changes necessary. Here, it’s critical to embrace a more holistic approach. 

  • Mechanisms over Mindset 🔄: Many organisations fixate on Scrum ceremonies and artefacts but neglect the underlying agile mindset. 

  • Holistic Change is Essential 🌐: Implementing Scrum isn’t just about the teams; it’s about adapting the entire organisation to support regular, customer-focused delivery. 

The Importance of a Holistic Approach 💡  

Scrum isn’t merely a set of meetings or a to-do list. It’s an ethos, a shift in perspective that necessitates embracing change from the ground up. 

  • Extend Beyond the Team 👥: Successful Scrum adoption extends its principles beyond the development team to the entire organisation. 

  • Regular Cadence for Customers 📆: It’s about establishing a rhythm and regular cadence of delivering valuable products to customers. 

How to Ensure You’re in the Successful 10% ✅  

Ensuring your organisation falls into the successful 10% is challenging yet achievable. Here’s how: 

  • Adopt an Agile Mindset 🧠: Start with a shift in mentality, not just processes. 

  • Management Buy-In 👩‍💼: Secure support and understanding from management to facilitate holistic change. 

  • Continuous Improvement : Regularly assess and adapt your processes and approach. 

Elevating Your Scrum Journey 🚀  

Ken’s assertion provides a sobering perspective on Scrum adoption. However, by focusing on a holistic transformation and customer-centric delivery, organisations can defy the odds and join the successful minority.

So Ken once said that 75% of organisations at using Scrum will not succeed in getting the benefit they hope from it. Um, and I don’t agree with them. I think it’s 90% of the organisations that adopt Scrum will not get the benefits they hope from it. And it’s because they focus on the mechanisms of Scrum at the team level, and they don’t broaden that out to the holistic organisational changes that are required to support actually delivering software and products on a regular cadence for your customers.

Smart Classifications

Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.

Subscribe

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

New Signature Logo

New Signature

Kongsberg Maritime Logo

Kongsberg Maritime

Graham & Brown Logo

Graham & Brown

Milliman Logo

Milliman

CR2

YearUp.org Logo

YearUp.org

Emerson Process Management Logo

Emerson Process Management

Alignment Healthcare Logo

Alignment Healthcare

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company) Logo

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Teleplan Logo

Teleplan

Freadom Logo

Freadom

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Brandes Investment Partners L.P. Logo

Brandes Investment Partners L.P.

Epic Games Logo

Epic Games

ProgramUtvikling Logo

ProgramUtvikling

Philips Logo

Philips

MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd. Logo

MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd.

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation Logo

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation

Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo

Department of Work and Pensions (UK)

Royal Air Force Logo

Royal Air Force

Washington Department of Transport Logo

Washington Department of Transport

Nottingham County Council Logo

Nottingham County Council

Ghana Police Service Logo

Ghana Police Service

SuperControl Logo

SuperControl

Brandes Investment Partners L.P. Logo

Brandes Investment Partners L.P.

Slaughter and May Logo

Slaughter and May

CR2

Freadom Logo

Freadom

Genus Breeding Ltd Logo

Genus Breeding Ltd