Embracing a Value-Driven Approach in Professionalism
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Chapter 1: Understanding Value-Driven Professionals
In today's landscape, adopting a value-driven mindset is essential for crafting innovative products.
Many organizations proudly proclaim their Agile practices, citing frameworks like Scrum, Kanban, or SAFe, but merely utilizing these structures doesn't guarantee true agility. The reality is that two significant barriers hinder companies from achieving this: an overemphasis on output and a reluctance to embrace uncertainty.
When the primary focus is on output, results often fall short and team morale suffers, regardless of the framework in use. While sticking to a predetermined plan may feel safe, it is the resolution of substantial problems that truly inspires individuals. The pivotal question then is: how do we shift from an output-driven mentality to one centered on value?
Let’s delve into the traits of value-driven professionals and explore how you can foster this mindset within your team.
Characteristics of Value-Driven Professionals
Value-driven professionals prioritize meaningful work over blindly adhering to established rules. They are dedicated to avoiding wasted efforts and seek to ensure that their contributions generate tangible value rather than merely satisfying others.
These individuals challenge the status quo and are willing to confront anything that does not contribute to value creation. Within the Agile context, you can identify value-driven professionals through several distinct traits:
- Inquisitive Nature: Value-driven developers often express, “I need to understand the underlying problem before I can proceed.” Product Owners who focus on achieving goals rather than just appeasing stakeholders may frustrate others.
- Independent Thinkers: Following directives can induce anxiety in value-driven individuals. When management presents a roadmap, a value-driven team will first seek to comprehend the underlying objectives before acting.
- Courageous Spirit: Their main concern is not delivering outputs, but ensuring their work leads to meaningful progress. They are motivated by evidence that their efforts positively impact others.
- Resilient Heroes: Even in challenging circumstances, value-driven professionals strive to overcome obstacles to deliver value. They view challenges as opportunities rather than insurmountable barriers.
Collaborating with value-driven individuals can be incredibly motivating, as they are committed to effecting change. They refuse to adopt a victim mentality, instead bravely confronting uncertainty and defying expectations to achieve remarkable outcomes.
Moving from Output Focus to a Value-Driven Mindset
Throughout my career, I've collaborated with over fifty Scrum Teams and witnessed numerous transformations. While I don’t claim to possess a foolproof method for becoming a value-driven team, I do recognize that it is a developmental journey.
The transformation begins with redefining responsibilities. In a typical Scrum team, Product Owners prioritize tasks, developers execute them, and Scrum Masters enforce Scrum practices. This structure often leads to silos, resembling an assembly line where individuals focus solely on their designated roles instead of the team’s collective success.
A truly value-driven team eliminates these silos. Each member shares accountability for the entire process. Product Owners set the direction, while developers question decisions to ensure they can contribute effectively. Scrum Masters play a crucial role in nurturing a value-oriented culture within the team and among stakeholders.
When Scrum Teams operate as cohesive units, they resemble a group of heroes on a mission. Team roles become secondary to the pursuit of value, and passionate discussions arise as members strive to ensure their contributions are impactful. They embrace conflict as a catalyst for energy and innovation rather than shying away from it.
You might wonder, “What if I’m part of a value-driven team but my organization still emphasizes output?” Instead of viewing your situation as unchangeable, challenge the existing norms. Don’t let misconceptions hinder your progress.
Without conflict, escaping an output-oriented mindset is nearly impossible. Many organizations struggle with uncertainty, desiring predictability in return for their investments. However, succumbing to this mindset often leads to disappointing outcomes. I’ve learned that results speak louder than words; sometimes, we must take bold risks and prioritize outcomes over following directives from upper management.
If we aim to reach places where ordinary teams don’t venture, we must be willing to undertake actions that others avoid.
Final Thoughts
Being a value-driven professional is about embracing difference and facing inevitable conflicts. The journey can be demanding, and feelings of isolation or exhaustion may arise in the face of resistance. Yet, the fear of delivering mediocre results fuels the drive to keep pushing forward.
Value-driven professionals wake up each day committed to making a positive impact in the world. They strive to ensure that their work contributes to improving lives.
Would you like to contribute to Serious Scrum or engage in meaningful discussions about Scrum?
The first video titled "10 Characteristics of a Value-Driven Professional" provides insight into the essential traits that define value-oriented individuals in the professional realm.
The second video, "CEO Series: Top 5 Tips For Building a Values-Driven Company," offers guidance on how organizations can foster a culture centered on values, enhancing overall performance and employee satisfaction.