The Agile teams usually divide between whether they use Scrum or Kanban. In this case, we are going to focus on Scrum.Â
Scrum is a framework for developers to build their processes on top of it. And by itself has three roles: product owner, Scrum Master, and the development team members, which we mentioned previously.
The product owner represents the business and declares what is the most important to deliver. It is the team’s face, and there has to be excellent communication and trust with the Scrum Master. They have to prioritize the tasks of the team and take any input the stakeholders give.Â
According to Atlassian, the product owner “should not only understand the customer but also have a vision for the value the scrum team is delivering to the customer. The product owner also balances the needs of other stakeholders in the organization.”
Finally, the Scrum Master is the one with the responsibility of holding it all together and assuring that Scrum is well done. In functional terms, they help the product owner define the value while the development team delivers. The scrum master is a leader that not only supports but dictates the priorities on a day-to-day basis.
A scrum master also works closely with the business at large, meaning it helps understand what Scrum is and creates an environment that supports Scrum for successful results.
The scrum master responsibilities:
- Implementing changes and facilitating the daily Scrum and Sprint leads
- Coordinating within stakeholdersÂ
- Communicating and coaching team members about evolving requirements and plans
- Helping Product Owners optimize the planning for maximum performance
- Managing administrative tasks like meetings, collaboration, and eliminating obstacles that might be affecting the project progress
- Shielding team members from external distractions
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When it comes to the responsibilities of a Scrum Master, they have to inspect and support. The scrum master makes the scrum teamwork in an adaptable, effective, transparent way. It has to take the instructions from the Product Owner and secure that the tasks are performed right.
They have to approach ideas for the projects that fit the best, break down the work, describe possible outcomes, and review them.
But the Scrum Master isn’t just in charge of the project; they are responsible for the team. It has to encourage the members to step outside their comfort zone and try to use and learn different practices, to challenge the boundaries and responsibilities for the growth and success of the team itself.
For example, they have to create story maps, update Confluence pages with retrospective ideas and feedback.
Scrum has to be defined by values and expertise. It has to be courageous, focused, committed, respectful, and create a safe and trustworthy environment. Following values is the responsibility of everyone in the scrum team, but the scrum master has the active role of reminding them and applying them by example. Having this space is vital for agile teams to thrive.Â
Does every team need a Scrum master? Yes and no. If every single one of the team members is comfortable with their Agile methodology experience, it might not need a specified leader. Yet, the recommendation is to have one because it’s the glue that can make the results more straightforward and better.