What does a Scrum Master do? Who can become a Scrum Master?
What does a Scrum Master do? Who can become a Scrum Master?
The question of what a Scrum Master does is one that I am often asked in my seminars. In particular, it comes up when agile working techniques and Scrum are to be introduced into an existing organization. Around this question there are often further questions: Is Scrum Master a full-fledged job at all? Can the Product Owner be Scrum Master at the same time? And who can become a Scrum Master? I would like to answer these questions here.
What does a Scrum Master actually do?
In order to answer this question, we first have a look at the current Scrum Guide. There we learn that the Scrum Master is a member of a small team of people (Scrum Team) and is responsible for the results of the implementation of Scrum. At first this sounds quite simple. But at the latest when we find out that he is responsible for the implementation and the application of values like commitment, focus, openness, respect and courage, it gets exciting! How do I make my team members be courageous? And why should they "commit"? Questions upon questions. The Scrum Master training provides the appropriate answers.
The tasks of the Scrum Master can be summarized under 8 aspects: Servant Leader, Coach, Mentor, Facilitator, Manager, Obstacle Remover, Teacher and Ambassador of the Scrum Thought. Each of these aspects can be lectured on for several hours or days. In addition, the Scrum Master explains the Scrum roles, artifacts and events, coaches the developers and the Product Owner. He manages the Scrum process and moderates events. This makes it clear what the Scrum Master is in no way: a part-time job.
With this knowledge, the next question is easy to answer:
Can the Product Owner be Scrum Master at the same time?
The Scrum Master supports the Product Owner in his work. He helps him to find good techniques and procedures to define the product goal, to manage the product backlog and supports him in the collaboration with stakeholders.
For this reason, the Scrum Master can never be the Product Owner at the same time. Personally, I also advise against entrusting a developer with this task in addition, because he will experience a permanent role conflict. In addition, it is difficult to coach oneself.
Who can become a Scrum Master?
The Scrum Master is a highly qualified expert in communication, facilitation, time management, transformation and group dynamic processes. So how can you develop into such a professional?
Scrum Masters can become people who have the skills described here or are willing to acquire them. However, this does not mean that such a person must first study pedagogy, then complete further training as a coach, spend several years dealing with time management, or the like. That is not at all necessary. The decisive factor is rather the will to help people and teams to deliver the best possible work results. A good guide is the 4 M's: "You have to like people". If I enjoy developing people and teams, if I am passionate about Scrum and if I am willing to constantly improve my skills, then I am suitable to be a Scrum Master.
In my personal opinion, you can develop into a Scrum Master from two directions. The first way leads from an activity in the training and coaching area to the Scrum Master. In this case, for example, one is already active as a communication trainer, as a business coach or in a similar role and additionally acquires the special aspects of Scrum. In addition, one deals with the topic of project management. That was my own path to becoming a Scrum Master and I am happy to have taken it. I really enjoy teaching agility and Scrum as a trainer and consultant.
The second path begins on the other side, so to speak. For example, one is an experienced developer, project manager or project employee and is familiar with project management. The corresponding challenges are therefore known from their own experience. Building on this, one now gradually acquires the above-mentioned skills in order to become better and better as a Scrum Master.
How do I become a Scrum Master?
- First, you learn the Scrum basics, for example, in a compact Scrum training course
- Afterwards, you start as Scrum Master with a team in the agile world. You introduce roles, support events and bring the benefits of the Scrum framework closer to everyone involved.
- They continue to educate themselves. This can happen with the help of coaching by an experienced Scrum Master, through external consulting or further training to become a Scrum Master II.
Do you want to know more about the Scrum Master's job? Call us or make an appointment. We will be happy to answer your questions!
Comments
And this multifaceted activity or the training for this activity, which is difficult to describe (see your text), can be learned in just 2-3 months? I am surprised.
VG