A medieval take on Scrum

A brief introduction

A while ago I was presenting a workshop about Scrum. I wanted to ensure that the core pillars ( Transparency, Inspection and Adaptation ) became clear for the audience even though they did not consist of technical people exclusively. I wrote this story for that purpose. As you read this, I hope that you get some insight into what Scrum is all about without getting caught up in jargon.

Let the journey begin

Like any good story, this story starts with ‘Once upon a time’. Once upon a time, there was a King who was plagued by the fear of a creature hiding in a nearby cave. In his infinite wisdom, he decided to send out William to slay the creature and bring peace to his castle and his land. The King had full confidence in William but did not provide him with any training, weapons or support.

To make matters worse, he was instructed that he would either return as a hero, live as an outcast or die a horrible death determined by the outcome of his quest. William started his journey. As he walked along the dirt road, his mind started racing and his emotions started overwhelming him. How will it be possible for him to face this challenge alone? He contemplated embracing the life of an outcast or even taking his own life. It would be easier than being devoured by a monster, wouldn’t it? Eventually, he sat down, head between his knees. Hopeless, helpless…

Coincidently there were some knights travelling on the road. After seeing William despondent next to the road they decided to take pity on him. He told them his tale of despair. They decided to take on the challenge with him. They never backed down from a challenge.

They took him to their camp and provided the training, armour and support that he needed.

After preparing as a team, they decided to approach the cave for the first time. To their surprise, there was not only a single monster living there, but hundreds. The team returned to their camp, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task.

They sat down around their customary round table to discuss a plan of action. They came up with a strategy. They would return to the cave and try to capture a single monster, which they did. This gave them the confidence to improve their plan, customise their weapons and better learn how to improve as a team.

They returned many times, after each time doing the same as before. Improve their plan, improve their weapons and improve as a team. The second time they returned they captured 10 monsters, another time and they slayed 20, another and they slayed 40, another and they slayed 60. Until there was only one left, the monster to rule them all. The King’s nightmare.

They lunged at him from all sides, swords in hand. They knew his weaknesses, they knew each other’s strengths and they could taste the victory. As the monster fell to its knees William drove his sword through its heart. As the monster breathed its last breath, William’s journey flashed before his eyes. He had come full circle.

William sent back word to the King of the victory that was won. Despite the possibility of being welcomed back as a hero, he decided to stay with his new friends. They started out focussed on the challenge but were bound by friendship and trust.