What are the three pillars that uphold Scrum?

The Scrum framework is built upon three foundational pillars that uphold its core principles and guide the actions of the Scrum Team. The three pillars that uphold the Scrum framework are Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation.  These pillars are collectively forming the backbone of Scrum's empirical process control approach.

Transparency is the first pillar and emphasizes the importance of openness and visibility in the Scrum process. It requires that all aspects of the project, including work progress, challenges, and decisions, be made visible and accessible to everyone involved. This transparency fosters clear communication, shared understanding, and accountability within the Scrum Team and with stakeholders.

The second pillar, Inspection, involves regularly evaluating the artifacts and progress of the development process. This inspection is not limited to the final product but encompasses all relevant aspects, such as product backlog items, sprint backlog, daily progress, and completed increments. By inspecting these artifacts, the Scrum Team can identify any deviations, variances, or issues early on, allowing for timely adjustments and corrective actions.

Adaptation is the third pillar and represents the ability to respond and adapt based on the insights gained from inspection. In Scrum, adaptation is about embracing change, continuous improvement, and learning from experience. The Scrum Team uses the information gathered through inspection to make informed decisions, adjust plans, refine processes, and optimize their approach to achieve better outcomes.

These three pillars operate in a cyclical and iterative manner within the Scrum framework. Transparency enables effective inspection by providing visibility into the work and its progress. Inspection, in turn, generates valuable insights that inform adaptation, leading to iterative improvements and adjustments. This cycle of transparency, inspection, and adaptation promotes a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and agility within the Scrum Team.

The emphasis on empiricism, facilitated by the three pillars of Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation, is a fundamental aspect of Scrum's effectiveness in navigating complex and dynamic project environments. It enables the Scrum Team to embrace change, respond to challenges, and deliver value iteratively, ultimately contributing to the success of Scrum projects.