A Scrum Master is “a facilitator for the team and the product owner,” according to the Scrum Alliance. The Scrum Master helps both rather than managing the team.
It is the responsibility of the Scrum Master to make sure that everyone is on the same page since they serve as a sort of interface between the planners and the doers. A skilled Scrum Master knows exactly what resources and tools a team needs to achieve its objectives. And removes any obstacles or distractions that can get in the way at the same time.
Given the extensive number of duties that Scrum Masters must perform, a particular skill set is necessary for them to be fully effective. These fundamental characteristics can be divided into two groups: hard skills and soft skills.
Hard Skills
Before they are qualified to be placed in this position of leadership, Scrum Masters must finish certain essential technical training.
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Strong Scrum and Agile Training
The primary goal of having a Scrum Master is to make sure that the team is actively adhering to the Scrum and Agile principles. Although the concept of Scrum can appear clear and uncomplicated, the framework has its own terminologies. And expressions that leaders must be familiar with in order to apply it effectively. Therefore, familiarity with these terms and systems is a must.
Scrum Certification courses are widely available online, and they concentrate on the finest methods for fostering teamwork and success. True comprehension of the Scrum values and a level of skill above that of a regular project manager or team leader are demonstrated by becoming a Certified Scrum Master.
The Scrum Organization provides a variety of online resources, including the Scrum Guide and glossary, to assist teams in becoming comfortable with the framework. However, in order to fully grasp everything that Scrum includes, Scrum Masters need to go above and beyond.
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Organizational Skills
Implementing a well-tuned organizational structure is a talent that Scrum Masters must also have. Scrum teams need structure and planning to stay organized, thus Scrum Masters must have a strategy in place that keeps everyone on track.
A Scrum leader should be orderly in their own life, but this trait goes beyond being able to maintain a spotless workstation. The Scrum Master is in charge of keeping the team on time and making sure that no tasks go unnoticed. To keep the entire team connected and coordinated at all times, many Agile and Scrum teams use online project management software.
Finding a system that works for the entire team is the Scrum Master’s job. The Master and the team will decide if that entails an online project management system. But having some sort of structure in place is vital to keep everyone organized.
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Technical Familiarity
Working with the Product Owner to identify a system that enables the team to complete tasks effectively is one of the Scrum Master’s major responsibilities. Therefore, some technical acquaintance and instruction will be required. Scrum’s primary goal is to enable software development teams to create programs with the fewest possible obstacles. Scrum Masters need to be familiar with the established technical language and procedures.
In addition to receiving their certification, Scrum Masters are urged to take the Certified Scrum Developer program to hone their skills in Agile software development. Scrum Masters may motivate their teams to advance by providing them with the right resources. And methods to create better programs by learning how to develop software in an agile environment.
Soft Skills
Finding a Scrum Master with the appropriate attributes and characteristics that are tougher to articulate is crucial. Even though it is simple to check off the hard talents given on the résumé. Technical hard skills are vital but only account for 15% of project success, according to research collated from Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center. Only the improvement of soft skills accounts for the remaining 85%. These vital abilities must be developed in exceptional Scrum Masters in order to be effective leaders.
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Teaching and Coaching Abilities
The Scrum Master’s role includes assisting the team as a whole in correctly implementing Agile techniques. Strong teaching abilities are thus required, especially for teams that are unfamiliar with the Scrum methodology. Not only must a great Scrum Master know what to do, but also be able to communicate the how and why to all parties involved.
While being a member of the team, the Scrum Master also serves as a coach who exhorts team members to develop their abilities and collaborate. An excellent coach is the only one who can accurately assess a team member’s skills and limitations. Scrum Masters should utilize everyone’s unique skills, in the same way, to fully realize the potential of the team.
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Conflict Facilitation
People who make up scrum teams have different perspectives, personalities, and working methods, which can occasionally lead to conflict. Any visible difficulties that appear to have the potential to impede the team’s development must be resolved by the Scrum Master. If they cannot be settled by the team members themselves.
Of course, it’s much simpler to say than to actually accomplish. A Scrum Muster must be a skilled negotiator and facilitator in order to be useful. Because teams frequently need to make concessions in order to find a solution to the problem at hand. The leaders themselves must have the necessary interpersonal skills to work through such differences. And find solutions that work for everyone, even though there are a variety of useful tactics for Scrum Masters to apply.
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Servant Leader
Better leaders demonstrate than they do. To put it another way, they set an example by pitching in and doing their fair share of the labour. According to research, businesses with CEOs that demonstrate servant leadership traits have longer-lasting reduced turnover rates and more contented workers. Putting the needs of the entire team ahead of personal demands. And assisting others in performing to the best of their ability are key components of servant leadership. This essential trait must be demonstrated by Scrum Masters, who must work as a cohesive unit to complete the assigned duties.
Again, the Scrum Master plays a unique position in that they are both a team member and a leader and bring the whole team together. They do not have the same level of responsibility as a manager. But they are accountable for leading the entire development team through the process by adhering to the Scrum rules. But a great Scrum Master can lead and inspire their team to collaborate without fail by displaying a servant leadership approach.
Conclusion
Scrum Masters fill a special position that is highly respected ad contributes greatly to the success of the organization. They act as middlemen and collaborate with the Product Owner and development teams to ensure the highest caliber of work. Even though they have a long list of duties, they are not project managers. Scrum teams are “self-manage” by definition. Thus while they have a leadership position, they are not in any way more powerful than the other team members. The Scrum Master must, however, ensure that everyone on the team is adhering to the proper procedure. They serve similar to a coach, a referee, and a team member.
