First Principles in Scrum (First Principles in Scrum)
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First Principles in Scrum

Teams That Finish Early Accelerate Faster

About the Book

Every week I get asked dozens of questions about Scrum from new Product Owners and Scrum Masters on every continent (except Antarctica). Most questions cannot be answered without going back to First Principles. This means you need to understand physics, biology, evolution, and psychology to do Scrum well.

I was the wingman of the sole surviving Ace from World War II in Vietnam. He was a brilliant scientist and engineer, and he taught me a lot about First Principles thinking. I was also lucky enough to engage with similar trailblazers in physics, chemistry, medicine, biology, and AI. They were all part of the search for hyperproductive Scrum, and they make for an exciting story.

In this book, I will share my insights on Scrum and First Principles thinking. I will also tell the stories of the trailblazers who helped me to develop my understanding of these concepts. I believe that this book can help you to become a more effective Agile Manager, Scrum Master or Product Owner.

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    • Computers and Programming
    • Scrum
    • Management
    • Agile Enterprise
    • Product Management
    • Scrum
    • Leadership
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Translations

About the Author

Jeff Sutherland
Jeff Sutherland

Co-Creator of Scrum and Scrum@Scale and Signatory of the Agile Manifesto

Table of Contents

    • Note to Reader
    • Preface
      • References
    • First Principles Are Simple Rules That Generate the Complexity of Physics
      • The Fundamental Attribution Error
      • A Journey Into the Quantum Realm
      • The Bootstrap
      • Wave Equations
      • Relating Scrum to These Equations
      • The Relationship Between Frequency and Molecular Weight
      • Scrum Harnesses the Power of Frequency to Shape the Product
      • Examples – Little’s Law and Boyd’s Energy Maneuverability Theory
      • Frequencies and Wavelengths
      • References
    • Converging Fighter Pilot Precision and Cellular Biology: Maximizing Predictability and Minimizing Surprise in Agile Product Management
      • Introduction: A Newcomer’s Glimpse into Scrum
      • Synchronizing Sky and Cell - The Genesis of Scrum
      • Harnessing the Sky: Lessons from the Cockpit
      • Embracing the Microcosm: Insights from Cellular Biology
      • Synchronizing Sky and Cell: The Scrum Advantage
      • Friston’s Free-Energy Principle: A Unified Brain Theory
      • The 8 Principles of Free Energy in Individuals and Teams
      • Leveraging the Free-Energy Principle: Scrum’s Optimization of Adaptive Agents
      • Why Does This Matter: Translating Principles into Hyperproductivity
      • References
    • Going From Average to Awesome: Why Teams That Finish Early Accelerate Faster!
      • Amazon’s Rigorous Approach: Teams on Probation and the Quest for Awesomeness
      • From Good to Great, Average to Awesome: The Quest for the Singular Data Point
      • Applying the Collins Method to Scrum Teams: A Surprising Discovery
      • Teams That Finish Early, Accelerate Faster: A Quantum Leap in Understanding Scrum
      • The Search for a Deeper Understanding
      • Friston’s Free Energy Model of Brain Function: The Key to Understanding Acceleration
      • Practical Implications for Scrum Masters
      • References
    • How Scrum Depends on Frequency and Wavelength
      • Scrum Uses Frequency to Focus Energy to Transform Matter into Product
      • The De Broglie Equation
      • De Broglie’s Nobel Prize
      • Where Does Planck’s Constant Come From?
      • The Frequency and Wavelength of a Scrum Team
      • The Scrum Master Owns Frequency and the Product Owner Owns Wavelength
      • Why Does This Matter?
      • References
    • Physics, Buddhism and Scrum: Decoding the Second Law of Thermodynamics
      • Section 1: The Best Laid Plans of Men Oft Go Awry
      • Synopsis Section 1 - Things Get Messy Over Time
      • Section 2: The Most Wicked of Problems
      • Synopsis Section 2: Putting Together a Puzzle
      • Section 3: Understanding Entropy
      • Synopsis Section 3: Winning a Video Game
      • Section 4. Entropy in Product Development
      • Synopsis Section 4: Rising Like a Pheonix From the Ashes
      • Section 5: The Solution to Entropy is Turning Back Time
      • Synopsis Section 5: Turning Back Time is the Solution to Entropy
      • Section 6: Ancient Wisdom Applied to Entropy
      • The Four Agile Truths
      • A Deep Dive with the Master of Entropy
      • The First Noble Truth
      • The Second Noble Truth
      • The Third Noble Truth: Nirodha
      • The Fourth Noble Truth
      • Synopsis Section 6: Ancient Wisdom Applied to Entropy
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Where Does Agile Come From: Wave Structure of Matter
      • Introduction
      • The Copenhagen Doctrine
      • Occam’s Razor
      • Simplest Explanation for E = mc2 = hf
      • Conversation Between Milo Woff and Jeffrey Hasselburst
      • Scrum and the Wave Structure of Matter
      • Other Wave Theories
      • Why Does This Matter
      • References
    • How Scrum Emerged From First Principles
      • Introduction
      • The FBI’s Triumph and the Path to Empiricism
      • Taiichi Ohno’s Sage Advice and the Pursuit of Continuous Improvement
      • Scrum’s Origin in Lean and the Dance of Complex Adaptive Systems
      • Gödel’s Theorem and Computational Irreducibility: Unraveling Certainty
      • The Cathedral Unveiled
      • The FBI’s Triumph and the Path to Empiricism
      • Taiichi Ohno and the Pursuit of Continuous Improvement
      • Godel’s Theorem and the Power of Empiricism in Scrum
      • Computational Irreducibility and the Emergence of Scrum
      • From Biology to Scrum: The Evolutionary Paradigm
      • The Transformative Power of Scrum: Shaping the Future of Product Development
      • References
    • The Paradox of Inductive vs Deductive Reasoning
      • Personal Prologue
      • Abstract
      • Introduction
      • The Paradox Explored
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Responding to Change - Embracing the Paradox of Prediction and Adaptation
      • Introduction to the Paradox
      • Bayesian Surprise in Agile Environments: Friston’s Free Energy Principle
      • Free Energy in AI and Robotics
      • Free Energy in Agile Environments
      • Free Energy and Scrum Patterns
      • The Paradox of Prediction: A Dialogue Between Titans
      • Resolving the Paradox: The Agile Manifesto and Minimizing the Cost of Change
      • The Underappreciated Genius of the Agile Manifesto
      • Synthesizing the Paradox in Scrum Practice Across Industries
      • Conclusion: Scrum as Evolutionary Success
      • References
    • Understanding the Agile Mindset through the Wisdom of Four Warriors
      • Sun Tzu’s Art of Agile Leadership
      • Miyamoto Musashi’s Dual Swords: The Agile Leader’s Balance
      • Musashi’s “The Five Approaches” in Agile Context
      • The Musashi Meditation: A Daily Practice for Agile Leaders
      • Carl von Clausewitz and Agile Leadership: Navigating the Fog of War
      • John Boyd’s OODA Loop: The Agile Mindset’s Ultimate Weapon
      • Synthesizing the Warriors’ Teachings in Agile Leadership
      • Integration of Principles into a Comprehensive Agile Mindset
      • Integrating Warrior Wisdom into Scrum and Scrum@Scale
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • The Physics of High-Performing Teams - Unpacking Complex Adaptive Systems, the Seven Deadly Sins, and Seven Neural Accelerators in Scrum
      • Introduction
      • The Quantum Mechanics of Scrum: Unraveling the Physics of High-Performing Teams
      • Survival in a Complex World: The Imperative of Adaptation and Innovation
      • First Principles of Complex Adaptive Systems
      • Deviating from CAS Leads to the Seven Deadly Sins
      • Incorporating Neuroscience Accelerators into Scrum Principles
      • Conclusion: Embracing First Principles for High-Performing Teams
      • References
    • Scrum’s Secret Sauce: The Next Best Step
      • The Complexity and Importance of Prioritization in Scrum
      • The Next Best Step: A Cognitive Perspective, Quantum Mechanics, and the Power of Observation
      • Game Theory and Decision Making in Scrum
      • Driving System Evolution via Punctuated Equilibrium and Complex Adaptive Systems
      • The Role of AI: A ChatGPT Analogy and the Emergence of Expertise
      • Leveraging AI for Decision Making
      • The Human Element in Scrum Decision Making
      • Challenges and Potential Solutions
      • Real-World Applications and Case Studies
      • Future Implications: Welcoming AI onto the Scrum Team
      • Conclusion: The Next Best Step as the Key to Survival and Success**
      • References
    • The Secret Sauce of Scrum: Punctuated Equilibrium
      • Abstract
      • Introduction
      • The Secret Sauce of Scrum: Empirical Process Control and Punctuated Equilibrium
      • The Next Best Step: A Legacy from the First Scrum Team
      • The Role of AI in Identifying the Next Best Step
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Early Finish, Accelerated Innovation: Harnessing the Buffer Pattern for Agile Story Completion in Product Development
      • Friston’s Free Energy Model of the Brain
      • Illigitimus Non Interruptus - Where It Comes From
      • Essence of the Buffer Pattern
    • Hierarchy and Autonomy in Scrum: The Influence of Holarchy and the Power of the People
      • The Paradox
      • The Concept of Holarchy
      • Scrum as Holarchy
      • Controlled Chaos
      • Does Holocracy Implement Koestler’s Holons?
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Leveraging Scrum: Empowering Quality Excellence in Product Development
      • Introduction
      • The Evolutionary Approach of Scrum
      • Technical Debt and the Evolutionary Approach
      • The Impact of Computational Irreducibility on Scrum
      • Case Study: Systematic
      • The Scrum Framework and Quality
      • Emphasizing Early and Constant Testing
      • Shortening Delivery Time
      • Digital Management of Autonomous Teams
      • Impact of AI on Quality Assurance, Technical Debt, and Architecture
      • Continuous Customer Engagement
      • Humphrey’s Law and the Importance of Continuous Customer Engagement
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • How to Make Agile Transformations Successful: Measuring Business Agility
      • Introduction
      • If the Failure Rate is 53% Why Do Companies Do Agile Transformations
      • Business Agility ia Only Agile if it Generates Business Outcomes
      • Example of How Decision Speed Affects Business Agility
      • OODA Loop Decision Metrics
      • References
    • Aligning Agile Product management with the Laws of Physics, Simulation of Waterfall, Kanban, and Scrum
      • Introduction
      • The First Principle: Computational Irreducibility
      • Complex Adaptive Systems and Evolution
      • Product management Methods: Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban:
      • Product management Simulation: Waterfall, Scrum, and Kanban
      • Parameters
      • Wolfram Code and Results
      • Scaling Agile: Addressing the Seven Deadly Sins
      • Scaling Agile: Addressing the Seven Generative Neuroscience Effects
      • Collaborative Environment and Social Neuroscience
      • Iterative Progress and the Zeigarnik Effect
      • Feedback Loops and Dopamine Reward System
      • Adaptive Change and Neuroplasticity
      • Empirical Process Control and Predictive Coding
      • Mirror Neuron Effect
      • The Vagus Nerve and Emotional Regulation:
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Why Scrum@Scale: Taking Scrum to the Next Level
      • Background
      • Improvements Identified After Examining Millions of Scrum Projects
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Why Scrum@Scale: Using a Hybrid Approach to Get Money for Nothing and Change for Free
      • Introduction: The Need for a Dual Operating System in Agile Transformations
      • Use Case 1: Balancing Current Operations with Future Innovation
      • Use Case 2: Overcoming Suboptimization with Constraint Theory and Scrum@Scale
      • Use Case 3: Ensuring Value Delivery with Systematic Measurement and Incremental Scaling
      • Use Case 4: Achieving Enterprise Agility with Scrum@Scale - Money for Nothing, Change for Free
      • References
    • Why Scrum@Scale: Digital Management of Autonomous Teams
      • Introduction
      • The Impact of the Emergence of Sentient AI
      • Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital (Perez)
      • Diffusion of Innovations (Rogers)
      • Crossing the Chasm (Moore)
      • Disruptive Innovation (Christensen)
      • Converging S-Curves and the Age of AI (Seba)
      • The Role of Digital Management in Agile Organizations
      • Speed of Innovation Began in Software Decades Ago
      • Tesla’s Digital Management of Autonomous Teams
      • Scrum@Scale Supports and Enhances Digital Management
      • References
    • Martial Arts, Shock Therapy, and Scrum
      • Shock Therapy Controversy
      • Aikido Sensei Gaku Homma: 5th Degree Dan
      • Aikido Sensei Mitsunari Kinai: 8th Degree Dan
      • Dunning Kruger Effect – Neuroscience Effects
      • Hyperproductivity is the Norm
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Leveraging Performance: Navigating Maneuver Warfare in the Agile Theatre
      • Introduction: The Agile Stage
      • The Value of Maneuver Warfare to Scrum Practitioners
      • Maneuver Warfare Principles for Ballerinas in the Face of Opposition
      • The Universal Alignment of Maneuver Warfare and First Principles
      • John Boyd and the OODA Loop
      • How Balck’s Legacy Inspired a Revolutionary Framework
      • How a Ballerina Uses the OODA Loop
      • How Maneuver Warfare Can Help the Registered Scrum Trainers>
      • From Folly to Foresight: Maneuvering through Human Missteps
      • Lessons from the Trenches
      • Case Studies: Transformative Tactics in Action
      • Conclusion: Beyond the Battlefield - The Omnipresence of Maneuver Warfare Principles
      • References
    • Scrumming the Scrum: An Intersection of Productivity, Happiness, and Neuroscience
      • The Happiness Metric
      • Scrumming the Scrum
      • Hyperproductivity: Twice the Work in Half the Time
      • Brain Science and Hard Data
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • The Agile Manifesto Revisited: The Urgent Need to Re-Define Sustainable Pace
      • Introduction: The Four Pillars of Sustainable Pace
      • The Weaponization of Agile Principles and Scrum Guide Revisions
      • The Agile Flight Plan: Navigating the Skies of Sustainable Excellence
      • The Mirage of Sustainable Pace: Symptoms of Failing Scrum and the Role of Mission, Values, and Purpose
      • The Physics of Agile: Powering Through with Precision and Sustainable Force
      • Sustainable Pace: A Weapon for Transcendence, Not an Excuse for Mediocrity
      • The Final Frontier: Transcendence
      • References
    • Embracing the Power of Intransitive Competition: The Key to Unleashing Diversity and Innovation in Scrum Teams
      • Background
      • Introduction
      • The Power of Intransitive Competition
      • Unleashing Diversity and Innovation in Scrum Teams
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • The Confluence of First Principles, Scrum, Product Teams, and Design Thinking: A Deep Dive into Agile Product Development
      • Introduction
      • First Principles
      • Scrum
      • Product Teams
      • Design Thinking
      • The Confluence
      • The Confluence: A Deeper Exploration
      • The Driving First Principles
      • References
    • Why Management Won’t Help: They Are Trained In Practices that Block Agility
      • References
    • The Product Owner’s Guide to Boosting Team Productivity through Free Energy and Innovation
      • Introduction
      • The Neuroscience of Productivity: Unveiling the Genius of Friston and His Free Energy Model of the Brain
      • The Product Owner’s Guide to AI-Enhanced Scrum: Turbocharge Friston’s FEM
      • Practical Steps for Product Owners: Implementing AI in Scrum
      • Challenges and Considerations: Navigating the AI Landscape
      • Actionable Strategies: How Product Owners Can Leverage AI
      • Case Studies: The AI-Driven Transformation of Scrum Practices
      • Ethical Considerations and Pitfalls: A Guide for Product Owners
      • Conclusion: The Synergy of Friston’s Free Energy Model and AI in Scrum
      • References
    • Definition of Ready
      • Abstract
      • Introduction
      • Diverse Opinions on Definition of Ready
      • The Origin of Definition of Ready
      • Scrum and Complex Adaptive Systems theory (CAS)
      • The Systematic Case: Twice the Work in Half the Time
      • Balancing Readiness with Speed and Adaptability
      • The Role of Definition of Ready in Scrum
      • Benefits of Adopting Definition of Ready
      • Drawbacks of Adopting Definition of Ready
      • Finding the right balance
      • Conclusion
      • Future Directions
      • Final Thoughts
      • References
    • Why Agile Transformations Fail: A First Principles Perspective
      • Introduction
      • Agile Transformations: Where Things Go Wrong
      • Traditional Project Management and Disjunction with First Principles
      • Misalignment with Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS)
      • Neglecting the Neuroscience of Scrum**
      • The High Stakes of Agile Transformation Failure
      • Strategies for Success
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Servant Leadership: Where Does It Come From?
      • References
    • Personal Scrum
      • The Essence of Being Human
      • The Committee in the Mind
      • Scrumming the Self
      • Personal Scrum
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • The Product is You – Feel the Power, Change the World
      • Prompt for creating Ohno’s persona:
      • MIT Sloan School of Management – Lean Ops
      • Forrester and the Machine That Changed the World
      • The Six Levels of First Principles
      • Wolfram’s Physics Project
      • Where Does Personal Power Come From?
      • Creating a Moonshot Company
      • References
    • The Transformative Power of Scrum: Your Little Green Jade Box
      • The Zen Story of the Little Green Jade Box
      • The Transformative Power of Scrum
      • The Final Word
    • Lessons in Chemistry: Everything You Need to Know About Scrum You Can Discover in the Laboratory
      • Lessons in Chemistry
      • Everything is Unpredictable Yet Interconnected
      • Computational Irreducibility
      • The Observer in Scrum - Making Sense in an Unpredictable World
      • Minimizing Bayesian Surprise Requires Sustainable Pace
      • Two Essentials for Sustainable Pace: Individual and Team Responsibility
      • Conclusion
    • Interviewed by an AI: Celebrating Bill Hendee and the Roots of Scrum in Radiation Physics
      • The Center for Vitamins and Cancer Research
      • Why is this relevant to Scrum?
      • Turnabout: The AI Interviews Me When I Ask It Questions
      • Establishment of the Rocky Flats Monitoring Committee:
      • Activities of the Committee
      • Outcomes and Legacy
      • Concluding Reflections: Honoring Bill Hendee’s Enduring Legacy
    • The Agile Brain: Exploring the Neuroscience Behind Scrum
      • Introduction
      • Fristons’s Free Energy Model of the Brain
      • Neuroscience and Scrum
      • 1. Collaborative Environment and Social Neuroscience
      • 2. Mirror Neuron Effect
      • 3. Iterative Progress and the Zeigarnik Effect
      • 4. Feedback Loops and Dopamine Reward System
      • 5. Adaptive Change and Neuroplasticity
      • 6. Empirical Process Control and Predictive Coding
      • 7. Vagus Nerve Stimulation and Emotional Regulation
      • Enhancing Team Performance through Neuroscience in Agile Practices
      • Direct Measurement of Neuroscience Effects in Agile Practices
      • Conclusion
      • References
    • Epilogue: Our Journey Continues

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