Although the term Scrum was first used in ‘The New New Product Development Game’ (1986) drawing parallels with a scrum in rugby, it is not the only sport where parallels and analogies can be drawn with the Scrum framework; others including ten pin bowling and cricket. In this session we will introduce the parallels between cricket and Scrum, consider how a change in the principles and values of the England test cricket team changed their fortunes, and ask if those principles could be applied by Scrum Teams? Building upon this, attendees will be invited to take part in an interactive exercise where they will look to identify and consider individual and team values. Working in groups they will identify, discuss and agree on a set of values before considering how being part of a team could both amplify and, potentially compromise, those values. This will culminate on identifying ways in which the needs of the team can be balanced with those of the individuals in it.

1. Martin Lambert and Robin Hackshall
Howzat!
How a
change in
mindset can
change your
success

2. About Martin
Reformed Business Analyst now
freelance agile consultant
In 2010 turned Scrum Master >
Agile Coach > Trainer
Digital Product specialist: airlines,
utilities, retail, telco
AMI Scrum Mastery Pathway™
Guide
linkedin.com/in/mclambert

3. About Robin
Unorthodox route in Agile and Scrum
Ful
fi
lled roles of Product Owner,
Scrum Master and Agile Coach
Worked with a variety of
organisations across multiple sectors
Scrum Mastery Pathway™ and
Product Mastery Pathway™ Guide
LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Facilitator
@AgileRobin
@EnigmaCAS
/ENIGMACAS
/robinhackshall
/company/enigmacas
/enigmaconsultingandsolutions

5. Isn’t Scrum a rugby thing?

6. Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
1. Cricket, like Scrum, is iterative
Scrum Time-box Scrum Overview Cricket Time-box Cricketing Parallel
Daily Scrum
At the Daily Scrum the Scrum Team have the ability to
inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt
their plan for the day ahead
Single Delivery
Before each ball is bowled the
fi
elding team have the
opportunity to respond to the previous ball bowled and
tweak their strategy. They can, for example, position
fi
elders in the best place to take a wicket or to prevent
the batting team scoring runs
Sprint
At the end of a Sprint a Scrum Team will review the
completed work, generate new ideas for delivery,
reprioritise the Product Backlog and pivot to ensure
maximum value is delivered
Over
At the end of each over the
fi
elding team have the
chance to take stock of the state of the game and
change direction through a change of bowler (and
potentially bowling style) from the other end of the pitch
Release
Although a Product Increment may be potentially
releasable at the end of a Sprint, it is often the case that
the outcomes from several Sprints are combined to
form a release
Session /
Innings
Depending upon the format of the game, teams will
have milestones that they will want to reach after ‘x’
overs. The type and circumstance of the game will
determine number of overs that contribute to a
milestone and what that milestone may be

7. Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
2. Cricket, like Scrum, o
ff
ers the opportunity to inspect and adapt

8. Generalist
Specialist
T-Shaped Pi-Shaped M-Shaped
Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
3. Cricket, like Scrum, requires a cross-functional team

9. Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
4. Cricket, like Scrum, can generate insightful metrics

10. “The beauty of stats is that they never tell you
anything about one instance. They can show you
patterns, they can show you trends, and they can
hopefully lead you to a better understanding of what
is going on, but on any given day it might be the
right thing to bowl first.”
Nathan Leamon – Sky Sports
Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
5. Cricket, like Scrum, will use empirical evidence

11. “Cricket is a game that owes much of its unique
appeal to the fact that is should be played not
only within its Laws but also within the Spirit of
the Game. Any action which is see to abuse
this Spirit causes injury to the game itself.”
Preamble to the Laws: Spirit of Cricket
Six parallels between cricket and Scrum
6. Cricket, like Scrum, embodies a number of values

12. An Agile Mindset in Cricket
“In taking this role on, I am acutely aware
of the significant challenges the team
faces at present, and I strongly believe
in my ability to help the team emerge
as a stronger force once we’ve
confronted them head-on. I’m no
stranger to bringing about change
within a team environment, and I can’t
wait to get started.”
Brendan McCullum

13. What is ‘Bazball’?
1. A less re
fl
ective environment
2. No negative chat
3. A win-at-all-costs mentality
4. No fear of failure
5. Praise – even for the little things
6. Simplicity of message
7. Embracing mental freedom and fun
https://inews.co.uk/sport/cricket/bazball-brendon-mccullum-england-test-cricket-revolution-1688815

14. Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum
A less reflective environment

15. No negative chat
“The positive thinker sees
the invisible, feels the
intangible and achieves the
impossible”
Winston Churchill
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

16. A win-at-all-costs mentality
“Whatever anybody says or
does, assume positive intent.
You will be amazed at how
your whole approach to a
person or problem becomes
very different.”
Indra Nooyi
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

17. No fear of failure
“I can accept failure,
everyone fails at
something. But I can’t
accept not trying.”
Michael Jordan
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

18. Praise - even for the little things
“The more you praise and celebrate your life,
the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Oprah Winfrey
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

19. Simplicity of message
“If you can’t explain it simply,
you don’t understand it well
enough”
Albert Einstein
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

20. Embracing mental freedom and fun
“Having fun is not a diversion
from a successful life; it is the
pathway to it.”
Martha Beck
Applying the principles of ‘Bazball’ to Scrum

21. Scrum Mastery Pathway
Licensed by
https://agilemasteryinstitute.com/

22. Exploring Core Values
First Round: 5 minutes work as an individual
• Spread out the ‘Core Values’ cards so
that everyone in your group can see
them
• What’s really important to you as an
individual? Select these yourself
• Put all unselected core values back in
the box

23. Exploring Core Values
Second Round: 5 minutes working as a team
• Ruthlessly prioritise
• As a team discuss and come to a
consensus on the
fi
ve core values you
would have if you were a team

24. Exploring Core Values
Third Round: 10 minutes understanding the team’s ‘Core Values’
Discuss:-
• How could being part of a team
amplify your ‘core values’?
• How could being part of a team
compromise your ‘core values’?
• How could you balance your individual
needs with that of the team?

25. Howzat! How a change in mindset can change your success
In conclusion…
• Cricket is like Scrum
• Throw yourself in and immerse yourself in this
new approach to delivery, don’t just dip your
toe in the water
• Promote a positive transition. Be aware of key
di
ff
erences between what has gone before
and what you are trying to achieve
• Acknowledge that as you take on a change in
mindset, you may not always be successful
• Create a supportive culture

26. Howzat! How a change in mindset
can change your success
Before you go, do you
have any questions?