Introduction
In Scrum, Developers aren’t just coders—they are the builders of value. According to the Scrum Guide 2020,
“Developers are accountable for creating a usable Increment every Sprint.“
Developers plan the work during Sprint Planning, collaborate daily to adapt their approach, and ensure each Increment meets the Definition of Done. This accountability goes beyond writing code—they own the quality, transparency, and adaptability of the product.
Effective Scrum Developers:
- Commit to delivering a Done Increment each Sprint.
- Self-organize around the Sprint Goal.
- Hold themselves and teammates mutually accountable.
- Continuously refine skills—technical and collaborative.
They also embody the Scrum Values—Commitment, Focus, Openness, Respect, and Courage—which guide behavior and decision-making.
Without skilled and empowered Developers, a Scrum Team cannot truly deliver value. They’re not just team members; they’re value creators in an agile ecosystem.
Key Accountabilities of Developers
- Sprint Planning: Developers are responsible for formulating the Sprint Backlog, outlining the work plan for the Sprint.
- Quality Assurance: They ensure that each Increment meets the quality standards defined in the Definition of Done.
- Daily Adaptation: Developers adjust their plans daily to progress toward the Sprint Goal.
- Mutual Accountability: They hold each other accountable as professionals, fostering a culture of collective responsibility.
Essential Characteristics of Effective Developers
- Problem-Solving Skills: Developers tackle complex challenges, devising solutions through exploration and adaptation.
- Commitment to Scrum Values: They embody courage, focus, commitment, respect, and openness in their work.
- Continuous Improvement: Developers engage in ongoing learning to enhance both their technical and soft skills.
- Product Focus: They actively engage with stakeholders to understand and fulfill customer needs, emphasizing product quality.
- Team Collaboration: Effective Developers work cohesively with team members and stakeholders, promoting strong teamwork.
- Adaptability: They respond adeptly to changing requirements and priorities, maintaining flexibility throughout the development process.
Conclusion
Scrum Developers are much more than just implementers—they are essential collaborators who turn ideas into value, one Sprint at a time.
By owning the Increment, upholding quality, and embracing agility, they ensure the Scrum Team continuously delivers meaningful outcomes.
Understanding their role is key not only for Developers themselves, but for the entire team to function effectively. If your Developers are empowered, skilled, and aligned with the Scrum Values—you’re already halfway to success.
