Why Does the World Need Great Scrum Masters?

When we talk about Scrum Masters, like any profession there are some really great ones, and some really bad ones. Scrum mastery takes dedication, attention to detail, and a continuous willingness to learn, and adapt. So why do we need ‘great’Scrum Masters, and how can they benefit your team?

In answering that question, we should first ask ourselves, ‘What is a Scrum Master’ and ‘What makes a Scrum Master great?’ 

Let’s unpack! 

What Is A Scrum Master

As with any team operation, there needs to be a leader who can support and guide a team to their success; this is where the Scrum Master comes in. Scrum Masters are a coach to the rest of the Scrum team, which is why they are often referred to as ‘servant leaders.’

The reason why Scrum Masters are seen as the leaders of the Scrum team is because they lead the Developers and a product owner of a  product towards the creation of a compelling product through effective  engagement, collaboration, problem solving, and continual feedback loops. 

Another way to look at it, is to see them as the enablers of a team whereby they ensure that there is an adequate amount of tools available and the working environment is conducive to achieving the Increment goals of each Sprint. At the end of the day, the team is collectively pushing to develop and deliver their products in the most effective manner without compromising the product’s quality.

Scrum Masters are therefore heavily focused on removing any obstacles that may be in the way and continually finding ways to improve the system so that product development and delivery can take place as agreed. 

Compared to everyone else they possess a scrutinous eye for delivery and high-quality standards that at times may not always make sense to everyone else but the results of having an effective Scrum Master will always speak for itself in the end. 

So, What Qualities Make a Great Scrum Master? 

To be a great Scrum Master, you should: 
🚀 Communicate transparently with your team. 

🚀 Confidently facilitate Scrum Events. 

🚀 Identify and remove any barriers that may prevent your team from reaching their objective.

🚀 Encourage accountability and responsibility. 

🚀 Foster a culture of continuous improvement. 

Overall, a good Scrum Master should lead by example. This means that the Scrum Master should act as an ambassador for the Scrum Framework and demonstrate the qualities they wish to see in their team. For instance, it would be counterproductive if a Scrum Master was encouraging their team to be accountable for the work they are doing but when the Scrum Master does something wrong, they shift the blame on someone else. Leading by example is paramount not only for maintaining a good working relationship with your team but also to maintain a healthy company culture for the organisation as a whole.

This will inspire team members to walk the same path and feel like their leaders truly do care.

So Why do we need a Scrum Master?

So far we have covered quite a fair bit on what a Scrum Master actually is and what they do. Now let’s turn our focus to why we actually need one and how it can benefit a team.

Scum Masters play an essential role in the success of a team and the product goal because they: 
🚀 Make sure everyone stays on track. 

🚀 Coach the team on Agile and Scrum principles. 

🚀 Strive to find solutions to problems instead of letting them fester. 

🚀 Encourage the implementation of positive change and continuous improvement. 

Last but least, the Scrum Master facilitates a product’s Definition of Done. And must therefore have a key eye for detail as well as immerse themselves in the product development, and what is needed before it can be released to market. For this reason a high level of responsibility and accountability rests on the Scrum Master. 

If the history of humankind has shown us anything it is that strong leadership and vision is what leads to victory. This is what we are all striving for at the end of the working day. 

Interested to learn more about how to be a great Scrum Master and its benefits? 

Get in touch today and let’s work together on your journey to success! 

Pragmatic Shift is a Scrum Training, Agile Consulting, and Agile Coaching consultancy that specialises in delivering Scrum.Org certified scrum courses, and helping organisations increase their business agility and product development success through agile consulting and coaching.

We firmly believe that a shift to agile is a pragmatic shift. A natural evolution from traditional project management and product management. A proven, reliable, and resilient framework for addressing compelling problems and developing complex solutions.

Over a decade’s worth of experience as an agile practitioner, agile consultant, agile coach, and scrum trainer informs our pragmatic approach to change. Agile dogma has no value in the context of product development or organisational change.

Instead, we look to start where you are, work with what you have, and make meaningful interventions that align with the objectives you are trying to achieve.

Progress over perfection.

If this sounds like a pragmatic solution to you, visit the following pages for more information.

Scrum Training:https://pragmaticshift.com/training/
Agile Consulting: Coming Soon!
Agile Coaching:https://www.thescrumcoach.uk

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