Scrum master role and responsibility
A Scrum master is a facilitator who ensures the Scrum team follows the agreed-upon processes.
The Scrum master removes obstacles and diversions that hinder the team’s progress. This person is the Scrum team’s point of contact with other people or teams.
According to the 12th Annual State of Agile Report, Scrum is used by 56% of firms. As this number grows and Agile gains momentum, the demand for Scrum masters is certain to rise.
Good Read: Scrum Is Easy. Use It As Is.
Remember that Scrum is a subset of Agile software development where a team sets goals to deliver new software features and functionality in defined iterative cycles. Every two to four weeks, iterations produce modest but critical sections of a project.
Want to become a Scrum master or ensure your Scrum team is following best practises? Learn about the essential Scrum master skills and duties.
What is A Scrum Master ?
In Scrum, a team of developers establishes targets to deliver new software features and capabilities in well-defined iterative cycles. Every two to four weeks, iterations produce modest but critical sections of a project.
A Scrum master is a facilitator who ensures the Scrum team follows the agreed-upon processes. The Scrum master also acts as a point of contact between the Scrum team and other people or teams.
5 main Scrum master role and responsibility a.k.a duties
Despite the title, the Scrum master does not lead the project or the development team. Instead, a Scrum master collaborates with the product owner and the Scrum team to optimise processes.
The following are the Scrum master role and responsibility in detail.
- Coach teammates
- Assuring team members are taught and understand Agile practises. The Scrum master also ensures that team members understand their duties, feel ownership of the project, follow processes, and self-manage.
- Hold daily stand-ups
Daily Scrum, or stand-up, sessions last 15 minutes and allow each team member to answer the following questions:
- What did you do?
- What will you do?
- What holds you back?
Team members may be asked to estimate job completion times. The Scrum master facilitates this meeting, tracks team progress, and records any roadblocks.
He ensures that all team members, including remote workers, may attend and participate in the daily scrum. They also keep the meeting focused and on schedule.
4. Help with the product backlog
The product owner creates and maintains the product backlog. The product backlog is a list of tasks for the team. The Scrum master uses the daily stand-up meetings to help the product owner modify and maintain the product backlog.
Derived from the product backlog, the product backlog is dynamic. The Scrum master can help write user stories and schedule meetings.
4. Clear the way
The Scrum master searches for distractions and impediments to help the team stay focused on the work at hand throughout each iteration. This is one of the primary Scrum master role and responsibility.
The Scrum master can work with the meeting organisers to decide who truly needs to attend meetings, for example. To spread the burden, the Scrum master can collaborate with product owners and other stakeholders.
5. Teach Scrum practices and principles
To keep work moving, a Scrum master role and responsibility is to train and teach new employees and team members.
The Scrum manager educates new team members on the product’s scope and vision, as well as Scrum philosophy and procedures. The Scrum master teaches the team self-organization and focus.
People management is not a Scrum master’s qualification. Also, the Scrum master is not held personally accountable for project outcomes; rather, the Scrum team as a whole is.
Qualifications for Scrum master
Do you have what it takes? Many employers look for these skills in a Scrum master:
Get the required experience and education
Most Scrum master job descriptions need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related subject. You should also be an Agile software engineer.
Improve your oral and written communication skills
Communication is a critical Scrum master ability. As a Scrum master, you will be the principal point of contact for project owners and other important stakeholders. This employment may not be for you if you cannot communicate verbally or in writing, or if you are uncomfortable conversing one-on-one or in groups.
Visuals like Scrum boards and burndown charts can help you collaborate with teammates and report to stakeholders.
Credentialing as an Agile Scrum master
There are Scrum master certification courses available, and while some employers require certification, it is not always required. A certificate may help you stand out from other candidates when looking for Scrum master employment.
Successful Scrum masters can organise, motivate, manage, and improve processes. Whether or not you become a Scrum master, these abilities can help you advance in any sector.
Good Read: Adopt Before You Adapt the Scrum framework
Is Scrum master pay typical?
As with any professional position, a Scrum master’s wage is determined by the industry, location, and experience. According to PayScale.com, a Scrum master’s compensation ranges from $61,000 to $123,000 in 2019.
Having a Scrum master certification increases your chances of acquiring a better-paying job.
How to become a Scrum master
Agile technique Scrum supports bottom-up management rather than top-down management. Scrum teams do not have a leader. Teams manage themselves by setting goals and supporting each other achieve them.
Due to Scrum’s flexibility, there are numerous certification programmes accessible. Each programme has its own criteria and course content. Some require a two-day training course, while others offer online training. To acquire a certificate, you must pass a test.
Scrum master training
Experts in business advise becoming a Certified ScrumMaster® or Professional Scrum MasterTM (PSM I). Hire managers and HR experts value these two programmes more.
Many programmes offer levels beyond the baseline Scrum master certification, such as PSM II and PSM III. These Scrum master certifications build on previous levels to deepen your grasp of Scrum.
- Scrum Product Owner
- Scrum Developer
- Scrum Professional
- Scrum Trainer
- Scrum Coach
Getting certified as a Scrum master in any of these areas will help advance your career and compensation. The options are endless.
This Scrum master function keeps the project operating smoothly according to Scrum. By following these suggestions and completing the required tasks, you will become a Scrum master.
