Scrum is a simple framework that allows us to complete projects, continuously improve, and get an early return on investment.

Author's note: "I wrote this text as a certified scrum master with experience in international blue-chip companies dating back to 1999. That experience includes leading projects for the BBC, General Electric, Oracle, BSkyB, HiT Entertainment (responsible for Angelina Ballerina, Bob the Builder and other titles that you love watching with your kids or siblings but won't admit to) and Razorfish. These roles have all involved leadership on a wealth of mobile, Internet TV, and web software projects. I have played the role of scrum master and, in the earlier years, of team lead and technical lead. I have had the privilege of running projects and rolling out working practices in market-leading organizations from start to finish."

Understanding the fundamentals of scrum is a very simple thing to do. However, putting it into practice in the world of deadlines, strong characters, and the need for quick decisions can often make it a huge challenge to get the job done using the scrum rules. There are often situations where the rules are forgotten and put to one side, especially when they are most needed.

In my experience as a scrum master, team lead, and software engineer, I saw how easy it is for employees of a fast-moving business to put the scrum rules to one side and destroy the very framework that would help make their daily lives easier. Observing how easy it is to forget the fundamental elements of scrum, I have put together this simple checklist that anyone can use on a daily basis.