The importance of Scrum masters
The term Scrum was first used to describe a rugby team protocol. In the business world, the Scrum analogy is applied to the more agile types of project management.
In a project development team, staying on the same page as other team members is important.
A Scrum master creates a positive working environment and boosts productivity by leading team discussions while keeping in mind differing perspectives and opinions.
This video explains the importance of a Scrum master and the traits needed to be successful.
A Scrum master runs the show.
Scrums are daily meetings conducted by Agile, self-organizing, and cross-functional teams. The term is borrowed from rugby, referring to when opposing teams huddle together to restart gameplay. Scrums allow project development teams to discuss goals, share progress and plan for the work ahead. They're led by a Scrum master -- a role that is either assigned to an individual, or alternated between team members.
Here, we'll discuss the roles and responsibilities of a Scrum master. For a detailed list of necessary Scrum master skills, click the link above, or in the description below. And, remember to subscribe to Eye on Tech for more videos on all things business tech.
The Scrum master asks team members three questions:
- What did you do yesterday?
- What will you do today?
- And are there any impediments in your way?
The answers to these questions are then used to assess a team's process and make any necessary changes.
While the Scrum master leads the scrums, they are not the project leader and are not singularly responsible for project outcomes. But, that doesn't mean the job is easy. The Scrum master also:
- Helps the team determine what can be achieved in a given period of time, or a sprint.
- Helps the team reach a consensus.
- Keeps the team focused and follows up on Scrum rules.
- Ensures product backlog items are clearly defined and managed properly.
- And protects the team from outside distractions.
There are several benefits that come with establishing a Scrum master. It creates a positive working environment through enhanced collaboration and communication, improves software through automated testing and continuous integration, helps identify and mitigate risks, and boosts overall team morale.
Successful Scrum masters require sharp communication skills to train and assist team members, as well as technical skills related to Agile management and software development. There are several Scrum master certification programs available, the most recognized being a 16-hour course offered through The Scrum Alliance.
Does your team use scrum? Tell us about your experience in the comments, and remember to like and subscribe, too.