ShuHaRi in Agile: From Rituals to Mastery
From rigid Agile rituals to customized processes: Discover how the Japanese concept Shuhari helps software teams evolve through stages of mastery—Shu (Follow), Ha (Adapt), and Ri (Innovate). Learn how your team can transcend frameworks for better value delivery.
What is Shuhari?
Shuhari is a Japanese concept describing the stages of mastery:
- Shu (守): Follow the rules.
- Ha (破): Break the rules.
- Ri (離): Transcend the rules.
Traditionally used in martial arts, this concept can be a powerful lens to view the evolution of Agile software teams.
Applying Shuhari to Agile Teams
Shu (守) – Starting with Discipline
Teams begin by strictly following Agile practices like daily standups, sprint planning, retrospectives, and burndown charts.
Experienced Scrum Masters or engineering managers guide the team to establish a rhythm and instill best practices.
At this stage, the focus is on mastering the mechanics of Agile.
Ha (破) – Adapting to Fit the Team’s Needs
With growing experience, teams start to adapt these practices. For example:
- Tracking actual versus estimated story points to enable data-driven insights.
- Modifying ceremonies or adjusting workflows to suit their dynamics.
The risk? Adding processes or metrics that create overhead without enhancing value, leading to stagnation.
Ri (離) – Transcending the Framework
Teams innovate beyond traditional frameworks, focusing on value-driven processes.
Example: Adopting Basecamp’s Shape Up methodology, which moves away from sprints and focuses on six-week cycles, prioritizing problem-shaping before implementation.
At this stage, the team redefines its processes entirely to suit its unique challenges, maximizing impact and efficiency.
Closing Thought
Shuhari offers a roadmap for Agile teams to evolve—from learning and adhering to established norms to creating tailored, impactful processes.
How does your team navigate the balance between structure and adaptability? Have you ever experienced the need to "transcend" Agile frameworks?
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