The Scrum Master: agility in action
13. Mär 2024
In the agile environment, especially in the Scrum framework, the Scrum Master plays a crucial role. In contrast to roles such as developers, the position of scrum master, similar to that of product owner, does not require any specific training but can be obtained through online certification. This leads to a large number of lateral entrants in this field and to a variety of perspectives with which Scrum Masters can enter. A psychological background, for example, allows a Scrum Master to deal with conflict situations and disagreements differently than someone with a different background.
Lesezeit: 3 Minuten
The responsibility of the Scrum Master in the Scrum Framework
The Scrum Master bears enormous responsibility for the smooth running of the Scrum process and its correct implementation. In particular, the retrospective is seen as the relevant meeting for the Scrum Master, as he moderates and leads it. Scrum Master Lisa emphasises the value of the Scrum Master for a team, as they create a framework in which every team member feels comfortable and safe. Building trust and working towards open communication is important to actively help the team develop. An external and neutral view of what is happening in the team is essential.
While the product owner focuses on technical issues and objectives and the developers concentrate on implementation, the scrum master is responsible for ensuring that the team works together efficiently. The scrum master's tasks are often abstract and do not require a specific task description.
The challenges and tasks of a Scrum Master
The work of a Scrum Master depends heavily on what the team needs to move forward and what development it is aiming for. The focus is on creating an environment in which every team member feels comfortable and safe. This enables trust building, open communication and addressing all relevant issues.
It is a challenge to work in a team that often has lengthy and intensive deadlines. However, a good Scrum Master manages to constantly generate added value for the team and helps to enable continuous development.
Lisa's working methods as a Scrum Master
Lisa uses various methods to work effectively with her team. With new teams, she focusses on interpersonal issues and encourages the team to talk about values, principles and collaboration. This promotes open communication and enables even conflict-averse individuals to communicate better in difficult situations.
For established teams, Lisa favours spontaneous Lean Coffees where all team members can add their own topics to the shared board. This provides the opportunity to directly address the topics that are relevant to the team.
Personal experiences of a Scrum Master - Steve
Scrum Master Steve emphasises the importance of the teams' independence. His aim is to empower the teams so that they ultimately no longer need him. The main focus of a Scrum Master is to remove obstacles, promote self-organisation and create a climate based on different values.
The role of the Scrum Master also often requires working outside the team and dealing with issues that are at a corporate level. The company's view should be constantly sharpened so that new structures can be worked on together.
Steve emphasises that the understanding of the Scrum Master role should always be deepened, that it is important to take advantage of further training opportunities in order to develop and refine the role and to meet the demands placed on it in the best possible way.
The importance of the Scrum Master
The work of a Scrum Master is crucial for the efficiency and development of teams in agile working structures. Through the right support and application of agile methods, they create an environment in which teams can work successfully. It is important to understand the role of the Scrum Master as a catalyst and supporter who helps to empower teams and optimise the agile way of working.
