Obeya and Scrum: A Perfect Marriage

In the ever-evolving world of business, organizations are under constant pressure to balance strategy with execution. For large enterprises, this challenge is often magnified, making it essential to find effective ways to connect the dots between high-level strategic objectives and the daily work of agile teams. One powerful approach to bridge this gap is to marry the Obeya framework with the Scrum framework. This article explores how these two frameworks can complement each other and outlines five key advantages of combining them.

In large organizations, the divide between strategic planning and operational execution is a common pain point. Strategic decisions made by top management are often disconnected from the daily activities of development and project teams. This gap can lead to misalignment, inefficiency, and a lack of transparency or even worse… No Agility! Let’s be fair, if your (scaled) framework suggests you to Inspect & Adapt only 4 times a year on strategic level. How Agile is your organisation then actually?

Enter the Obeya framework, a visual and collaborative workspace that fosters communication, transparency, and real-time monitoring of key metrics. By integrating the Obeya framework into the larger organisation, leaders can create a shared space that provides a holistic view of the company’s strategic goals and how they align with the work being done on the ground.

On the other side, Scrum, an agile framework known for its iterative and incremental approach to validating assumptions and delivering value, offers a structured way for teams to plan, execute, and reflect on their work. Scrum emphasises adaptability, collaboration, and continuous improvement through frequent Inspection & Adaption moments. By marrying Scrum with Obeya, organisations can create a seamless connection between high-level strategy and the execution of projects and initiatives.

1. Real-time alignment
   Obeya provides a visual platform for displaying the organization’s strategic objectives, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs). This information is available in real time, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the strategic direction of the company.
   Scrum’s iterative nature allows teams to adapt to changing priorities and ensure that their work remains in harmony with the strategic vision

2. Enhanced transparency
   Obeya fosters transparency by displaying progress and potential roadblocks. It allows teams to address issues promptly and keep the entire organisation informed.
   Scrum’s regular ceremonies, such as daily stand-ups and sprint reviews, ensure that team members have a clear understanding of what’s being worked on and what has been accomplished.

3. Efficient problem-solving
   Obeya is a conducive environment for cross-functional teams to come together and solve complex problems. It encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing.
   Scrum’s retrospective meetings provide a structured space for teams to identify areas for improvement and implement changes in their processes.

4. Continuous improvement
   The combination of Obeya and Scrum promotes a culture of continuous improvement, both at the strategic level and within individual teams.
   Teams can use Scrum’s inspect-and-adapt cycles to fine-tune their processes and contribute to the overall improvement of the organization’s execution.

5. Faster time-to-market
   Obeya provides a visual platform for displaying the organization’s strategic objectives, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs). This information is available in real time, ensuring that all team members are aligned with the strategic direction of the company.
   Scrum’s iterative nature allows teams to adapt to changing priorities and ensure that their work remains in harmony with the strategic vision.

 

The marriage of the Obeya framework and the Scrum framework offers a holistic approach to bridge the gap between strategy and execution in large organizations. By leveraging Obeya’s visual management and collaboration capabilities alongside Scrum’s agility and iterative approach, companies can achieve real-time alignment, enhanced transparency, efficient problem-solving, continuous improvement, and faster time-to-market. This perfect union ensures that strategic decisions made at the top are seamlessly executed on the ground, resulting in a more agile and competitive organization.

I sincerely hope you enjoyed the reading and that it has offered you further insights or even answers to any question you may have had.