The Ambidextrous Role of the Scrum Master (Part 1)
By Chantal Jenoure
The role of the Scrum Master is an ambidextrous one as it requires this individual to:
- Have a good grasp of the theory of the Scrum framework (mixed with a healthy appetite for commitment and focus, as well as experimentation and continuous learning), on one hand;
- On the other hand, be courageous and bold in how they apply the theory to their specific context and challenge the status quo (mixed with openness, respectfulness, gentleness, humility and patience).
Unsplash Photo by Bethany Legg
Why take an in-depth look at the Role of a Scrum Master?
‘The Ambidextrous Role of the Scrum Master’ is a new series that will help to shed some light on both the theory behind the role and how it is practically applied in the traditional setting of a typical Scrum Team.
Why?
I remember clearly on day 1 how out of my depth I felt. I simply did not know where to start. All I knew is that I got my training and certification and then, I had a group of eight (8) to mold into a “team”.
What is Scrum, really?
Before we get down to the nitty gritty, let’s start with the basics of Scrum.
Scrum is:
- Lightweight and simple
- A framework
- A means to deliver value through solving complex problems by creating adaptive solutions.
Scrum is executed by a Scrum team, which is made up of (up to) ten team members: a Scrum Master, a Product Owner and Developers. This enables the team to “communicate better and are more productive”.
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| Source: From the Front |
The Scrum Team’s responsibility spans all “product-related activities from stakeholder collaboration, verification, maintenance, operation, experimentation, research and development, and anything else that might be required.” Collectively, they share accountability as they work together to create “a valuable, useful Increment every Sprint”.
Where and how does the Scrum Master fit in the Scrum Team?
The Scrum Master’s role is integral to the success of any team. They are accountable for:
- Aligning the processes and operations of the Scrum Team as outlined by the Scrum Guide.
- The Scrum Team’s effectiveness by facilitating continuous improvement within the Scrum framework.
- Coaching the team in becoming self-managing and encouraging cross-functionality
- Helping the Scrum Team focus on creating high-value increments that satisfy the Definition of Done
- “Causing the removal of impediments to the Scrum Team’s progress”
- Ensuring that no Scrum event is missed/skipped and that they are positive, productive and completed within the timebox.
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| Unsplash Photo by Jason Goodman |
There are other duties that the Scrum Master carries out to the Product Owner and the organization. Those will be discussed in future posts in this series about “The Role of Scrum Master”.
Source: The Scrum Guide 2020
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