Guide the scrum process as the scrum master
5 min
By the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to:
- Describe the scrum master’s role in owning and guiding the scrum process
- Explain the partnership between the scrum master and product owner in implementing scrum and agile values
How a scrum master serves the team
The scrum master makes sure the team follows the scrum framework, keeping the team efficient and effective. Here are some of their duties:
- Foster communication: Ensure everyone is on the same page and has the information needed to make the best decisions.
- Protect the team: Act as a buffer, protecting the team from outside disruptions.
- Make work visible: Help identify impediments early and track progress to the goal.
- Guide scrum process: Ensure scrum events take place and are productive.
- Coach the team: Offer advice and feedback one-to-one and at an organizational level for continuous improvement.
- Support the team: Help the team find resolutions for blockers.
👇 Scrum masters often perform the following duties.
Other roles the scrum master performs
Let’s look at the scrum master’s role in more detail.
👇Click the boxes below to explore how a scrum master serves other roles.
How the scrum master works with the product owner
The product owner champions the customers' needs and the product’s ‘what’ and ‘why' by defining the product backlog and the product goal. The scrum master champions the process, helping the team deliver increments effectively.
The product owner and scrum master accountabilities provide distinct support to the team—when issues arise, having the process (the 'how') separate from the what and the why provides healthy tension to reach the best outcome for all.
How to identify the scrum master
Scrum masters require a unique set of soft skills to effectively fulfill their roles.
👇Click the icons below to learn more about the skills a scrum master needs.
Don’t assume an existing manager should be the scrum master – the entire team owns the scrum process and there may be others on the team who are more suited to the role.