In Brief
Master the basics first (Shu), experiment later (Ha), then innovate freely (Ri) to succeed in Agile.
Agile coaches adapt their support—strict guidance early, mentorship later.
Teams that embrace Shu Ha Ri solve problems faster and inspire company-wide agility.
In Agile and Scrum, learning to become an expert is like following the Japanese concept of Shu Ha Ri. This three-step journey—from following rules to creating your own—helps teams grow stronger in Agile practices. Let’s break down how this approach can help your team work smarter.
What is Shu Ha Ri?
Shu Ha Ri comes from Japanese martial arts and describes three learning stages:
Shu (Follow): New teams stick to Agile basics like daily meetings and sprints.
Ha (Explore): Confident teams tweak rules to fit their needs.
Ri (Create): Expert teams invent new methods while staying true to Agile values.
This process helps teams start strong, experiment safely, and eventually innovate.
Getting Started: The Shu Stage
Focus on Basics: New teams should practice daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and reviews. Coaches should explain why these matter.
Structured Learning: Use clear guides, training, and tools to build confidence.
Check Progress: Teams are ready to advance when they finish tasks consistently and understand Agile terms.
Growing Skills: The Ha Stage
Experiment Carefully: Try adjusting sprint lengths or mixing methods like Kanban.
Stay Balanced: Keep core practices (like regular feedback) while testing new ideas.
Learn from Mistakes: Coaches help teams reflect on what works and what doesn’t.
Mastering Agile: The Ri Stage
Innovate Freely: Teams create custom solutions (e.g., new meeting styles) without losing Agile’s core.
Lead Themselves: Coaches step back, letting teams solve problems independently.
Measure Success: Look for quick adaptability, creative problem-solving, and mentoring others.
Shu Ha Ri in Scrum & Leadership
Scrum Teams: Start by following Scrum rules, then adjust rituals, and finally design new workflows.
Leaders: Use Management 3.0 principles to grow from strict guidance (Shu) to empowering teams (Ri).
Whole Organizations: Teams in different stages create a culture of learning and adaptability.
