The Scrum Master is the leader of the teams in agile project management and is at the service of whoever requires it, that is, its collaboration is necessary in all the events of a Sprint.
Their role is essential within a Scrum team. Their main function is to ensure that the work teams achieve their objectives and reach the final phase, “final sprint.” To do so, they must eliminate any problems that may arise in the process, which makes them an essential member for team harmony.
Role of a Scrum Master
A Scrum Master is one of the roles within a Scrum team, responsible for correctly developing the Scrum framework. He helps the productive development of the team, that is, he is the mentor and is responsible for guiding the team under the Scrum methodology, towards the success of the project.
At each team meeting, the Scrum Master is responsible for verifying that the objectives are being met within the specified timeframes. Sometimes, a Scrum Master not only helps facilitate the tasks of the rest of the team and remove impediments, but also helps find solutions to problems.
Main Characteristics of a Scrum Master
✅ Plan the implementation of Scrum together with the organization.
✅ Help channel communication between the organization and the Scrum team.
✅ Assist the Product Owner from the initial phase of the project, to define the project objectives, detect risks that may arise during the sprint phase and look for updates for the tasks to be developed.
✅ Perform the tasks of an agile coach, to ensure that all team members learn and apply the Scrum methodology.
✅ Strengthen the teamwork methodology to achieve the same objective.
Support the team to create valuable products.
✅ Eliminate any impediments from the team, ensuring that the problems that prevent the project from moving forward are found.
✅ Conduct daily standups, which are quick 10-15 minute meetings to find out the status of the project.
✅ Guide team members to meet objectives.
✅ Collaborate with other Scrum Masters to maximize Scrum in the organization.
✅ Update the burndown chart with the Scrum team.
✅ Facilitate the final sprint phase for the team, supporting them as a mentor to prevent them from stagnating in the project.
Keys to being a good Scrum Master
✅ Lead by example.
✅ Listen to all members of the Scrum team.
✅ Promote and support debate.
✅ Be patient and tolerant.
✅ Let the team act.
✅ Encourages and facilitates collaboration.
✅ Examples of negotiation strategies.
Mistakes to avoid when holding this position
✅ Avoid being at the service of those who need it.
✅ Paying little attention to team development.
✅ Not working together with the Product Owner.
✅ Working with multiple Sprints.
✅ Not encouraging the implementation of Scrum strategies in the team.
✅ Lead Sprint events.
✅ Organize the work of the development team.
✅ Separate teams.
✅ Establish roles within the team.
✅ Delete events that are considered necessary by themselves.
✅ Confusing Scrum with Agility.
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In conclusion, a Scrum Master is a professional who implements agile methodologies in Scrum work teams and becomes a mentor for anyone who requires it. In projects that require the participation of many people and complex processes, he or she becomes an indispensable figure for the organization of the team and facilitating the work of each member. It is important to keep in mind that a Scrum Master is based on a coaching and support perspective, which should not be confused with the role of a boss or Project Manager.
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⭕ Free access to the preparation course
⭕ A special discount on the cost of certification
Courses that may interest you
Do you want to learn more about Scrum Devoloper and develop great Agile project teams? We recommend our courses: Scrum Master Foundation - SFPC, Scrum Developer Professional Diploma and Scrum Master Professional - PSM.