The Scrum Master’s role is crucial in steering Agile teams towards project success. However, it goes beyond just adhering to Scrum principles. Jeff Sutherland’s observation at the 2023 Registered Scrum Trainer retreat highlights a gap in the industry where Scrum Masters are often seen merely as facilitators instead of leaders capable of significantly contributing to a team’s overall effectiveness and value delivery. He acknowledged that “tens of thousands of Scrum Masters are being fired now because they are failing to deliver value.“ They have lost focus on what Dr. Sutherland describes as “The First Principles” of Scrum.
Drawing inspiration from Karim Harbott’s 2017 presentation, “Why are you still paying me?”, the ‘Gem of a Scrum Master’ concept outlines traits that make an effective Scrum Master. These traits align with the core principles of Scrum, emphasizing iterative development, engagement, and high-quality delivery.
Here are the defining traits of a ‘Gem of a Scrum Master’:
Strong Coaches
Scrum Masters guide, mentor, and support their teams towards achieving goals. They observe team dynamics, offer guidance for improvement, encourage optimal performance, and hold everyone accountable to excellence.
Skilled Craftsmen
Continuous self-improvement is a priority for Scrum Masters, and they encourage their teams to do the same. Like a skilled woodworker mastering essential tools, Scrum Masters and their teams must become experts in the tools and techniques crucial for their roles.
Excellent Facilitators
Facilitation is about guiding the team to achieve goals and ensuring every meeting or event generates value while minimizing waste. Scrum Masters excel in creating an environment where every team member can contribute effectively.
Agents of Organizational Change
Scrum Masters drive positive change within the organization, aligning teams with organizational objectives and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Understanding Lean, Agile, & Scrum
Scrum Masters grasp the interconnections among Lean, Agile, and Scrum methodologies, applying them effectively to ensure project success, waste reduction, and iterative value delivery.
Building Hyper-Productive Teams
By leveraging Scrum Patterns, Scrum Masters focus on nurturing high-performing team dynamics. They aim to achieve a high level of productivity in each sprint while maintaining a sustainable pace.
Business and Product Mindset
Scrum Masters understand the broader business context, working towards delivering value. They maintain a flexible approach, adapting Scrum practices to meet the unique needs of the business without losing sight of core Scrum values.
The Scrum Masters who embody these traits do more than just facilitate; they lead, coach, and continuously strive for organizational excellence. They promote Scrum values and principles, ensuring that the teams they serve are well-functioning and consistently delivering value. Through their leadership and actions, these Scrum Masters epitomize the essence of Scrum, making them the ‘gems’ of their teams.
