What Is a Scrum Master?

Scrum is a framework used to implement Agile projects. It allows the team to make changes quickly and produce a product of excellent quality.
The scrum methodology encourages teams to be self-organized and learn through their experiences. The method is simple, successful, and extremely popular.
This framework has three prominent roles: scrum product owner, scrum team, and scrum master. The scrum master’s role is crucial to any scrum project.
This begs the question: what is a scrum master? In today’s article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about it. Let’s dive in.
RELATED: TALK TO SOMEONE IN OPERATIONS

What Is Scrum?

First and foremost, we must discuss the scrum framework to better understand the scrum master’s role. The scrum framework tries to keep up with how fast everything around us changes daily.
The scrum methodology can be used by anyone who wants to produce a particular product. This product can be anything from a simple webpage or application to a gigantic construction project.
Scrum framework tries to deal with the idea that various aspects of the project might change throughout the process. So, continuous adaptation is the main key to the scrum framework.
Adaptation requires quickly assessing the change and figuring out your next move. That wouldn’t be possible without good planning and communication among the scrum team.
To establish that, the scrum team is given a certain time-boxed period called a “sprint.” In each sprint, the team is required to complete a set amount of work.
Additionally, the team holds a daily meeting known as the daily scrums. They discuss their progress and any changes that might’ve occurred.
Can you guess who makes sure that all these processes are running smoothly? You guessed it right, the scrum master.

What Is a Scrum Master?

A scrum master is a person who’s an expert in the scrum framework, hence the name. He’s a facilitator for all the processes undergoing in a scrum framework. The scrum master is responsible for making sure that the methodology is followed correctly.
His first role is to make sure everyone on the team understands what needs to be done and how to do it. He always tries to keep the team focused and on track. In other words, the scrum master is the glue that holds the scrum team together.
Despite that, the scrum master doesn’t have authority over the team. He isn’t involved in the decision-making.
Instead, he guides the team throughout the process. The product owner and the scrum team are the ones who make the decision.

What Are the Responsibilities of the Scrum Master?

The scrum master is known as a servant leader. So, he’s not a “master” of the team; he’s a master of helping the team.
It’s a highly dynamic role. The tasks and responsibilities of a scrum master include:
  • Arranging the daily scrums
  • Making sure everyone on the team understands the scrum principles
  • Establishing a positive work environment
  • Addressing team dynamics
  • Providing internal consultation for team members
  • Making sure every team member is on track
  • Removing obstacles that might affect the team's progress
  • Ensuring a good relationship between the scrum team members and the product owner

What Are the Skills the Scrum Master Needs to Have?

In order to become a scrum “master,” you need to have a certain set of skills. For instance:

Adaptability

The scrum framework is all about adaptation. So, a scrum master needs to be highly adaptable to any kind of change in plans.
Not only does the scrum master need to be adaptable, but he also needs to help team members adapt to changes. That can be done with effective communication skills.

Communication Skills

Communication is key to keeping the scrum framework going smoothly. Accordingly, the scrum master must have impeccable communication skills to be able to communicate with the scrum team and the product owner.
He’s also responsible for facilitating communication between the team and the product owner.

Technical Skills

It’s a no-brainer that any scrum master needs to have technical skills related to the scrum framework. For example, he needs to have business analysis skills and research skills. In that way, he could be greatly beneficial to the team.
Additionally, it wouldn’t hurt to have technical skills related to the product that’s being made.

How to Become a Scrum Master?

Anyone with the required skills can become a scrum master. However, some companies prefer candidates with bachelor’s degrees in related fields. In any case, pursuing a career to become a scrum master isn’t complicated.

Learning Scrum

You can start by familiarizing yourself with the principles of agile and scrum frameworks. ScrumAlliance offers an e-learning series that explains the foundations of Scrum.

Getting Certified

Getting certified through a recognizable certification program can make your job hunt much easier.
There are several reputable Scrum master certifications you can apply for. For example:
  • ScrumAlliance Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®)
  • Scrum.org Professional Scrum Master™ I
  • Scrum Inc. Scrum master certification
  • Scrum Master Certified (SMC®)

FAQs

Still have a question in mind? Here are some frequently asked questions regarding our topic:

What Qualifies a Scrum Master?

Typically, you only need a bachelor’s degree in a related field. However, you can still become a scrum master if you have a bachelor's degree in a completely different field.

How Much Does a Scrum Master Make?

The average base salary of a scrum master in the US is around $103,573. However, it differs from one company to another, depending on the product.

Is Scrum Master a Demanded Job?

Yes, the scrum master is one of the most demanded jobs in the world right now.

Conclusion

A scrum master has a crucial role in the scrum framework. He’s responsible for facilitating all the processes and making sure everybody on the team is on track.
The most important responsibility the scrum master has is to make sure all the team members and the product owner understand the principles of a scrum. He also arranges daily meetings and ensures a good relationship between the team and the product owner.