Honoring Veterans: Applying the Values of Service to Agile and Scrum

Today, on Veterans Day, we pause to reflect on the incredible dedication, courage, and resilience of those who have served our country. I am fortunate to be a part of a family that is steeped in military service across all branches. Veterans embody a unique set of values and strengths that are crucial not only on the battlefield but also in every sphere of life. Their experience in teamwork, adaptability, and unwavering commitment offers valuable insights that can deeply enrich Agile and Scrum practices in the workplace.

Veterans and the Agile Mindset

Veterans bring an innate understanding of many Agile principles that stem from military training, especially when it comes to flexibility, teamwork, and responding to change. In the military, quick thinking and adaptability are not just valued—they’re essential. Veterans understand that plans often change, and the ability to pivot quickly without losing sight of the mission is a critical skill. In Scrum, this is the very spirit of adaptability, where change is seen as a constant and often welcome companion. Veterans who enter the Agile world bring with them this invaluable mindset that reminds teams to stay nimble and solution-focused.

The Strength of Resilience

Resilience is another cornerstone of both military and Agile principles. Veterans have faced extreme conditions and situations that demanded unwavering focus and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. Similarly, in Agile and Scrum, we know that resilience is critical for teams to navigate challenges and drive continuous improvement. The resilience veterans bring to the table can be a powerful influence on Scrum teams, encouraging them to push forward even when projects hit roadblocks or when iterations don’t go as planned.

Unmatched Teamwork and Accountability

Veterans have worked within highly organized teams where trust, support, and accountability are paramount. They know firsthand the power of working toward a common goal, just as Agile teams do in a collaborative environment. In the military, each individual’s role is vital to the success of the mission—everyone is accountable not only for their own tasks but also for supporting their teammates. In Scrum, we see this reflected in the shared accountability and commitment of the team, where everyone contributes to sprint goals, retrospectives, and delivering value.

Servant Leadership in Action

The concept of servant leadership is foundational in Agile, and veterans embody this principle through their service and sacrifice. In the military, leaders are there to support their troops, and veterans bring this “lead by example” mentality into their Agile roles, whether they’re Scrum Masters, Product Owners, or team members. Their leadership style is often grounded in humility, empowerment, and a commitment to the success of the team. Veterans understand that effective leadership is about serving others, fostering growth, and ensuring that the mission remains at the forefront.

Building a Stronger Agile Community with Veterans

As we celebrate Veterans Day, it’s essential to recognize the strength, skills, and values that veterans bring to the Agile community. Their experiences enrich our teams and remind us of the deeper principles that drive Agile practices: adaptability, resilience, teamwork, and servant leadership. When veterans join Scrum teams, they bring with them a unique perspective that can transform how teams approach challenges, work together, and deliver value.

On this day, let’s honor veterans not only for their service to our country but also for the invaluable contributions they make within our Agile and Scrum communities. Their legacy of service, dedication, and adaptability is a gift that continues to inspire us. To all veterans, thank you for your service, and thank you for the example you set every day.