Play the Role of a ScrumMaster

SCRUM teams consist of the Product Owner, the Scrum Master, and team members (developers, testers, user interface engineers etc.) The Product

Owner is responsible for representing the interest of the client for whom the product is being made. Hence, the ScrumMaster negotiates the scope of a SCRUM with the Product Owner. In addition, the ScrumMaster acts as an interface with the team and the Product Owner.

The ScrumMaster is responsible for empowering the team to control over how they will perform their work. The team looks up to the ScrumMaster as a top athlete would look up to a sports coach. It is not only about knowing the SCRUM process, but also motivation and understanding the team’s psychology. The ScrumMaster's role requires more than basic project management skills.

Know your SCRUM: As a ScrumMaster, you are expected to know the SCRUM process and ensure it is implemented properly. This will include imparting knowledge on SCRUM to the team. It wont harm knowing basic Agile planning techniques. Empower the team to make decisions: The only way this can happen is by removing barriers and developing a high level of trust. Barriers exist between team members such as developers and test engineers. Barriers may also exist between the development team and the product owner. Removing barriers and resolving conflicts is a critical success factor.

Manage obstacles: During a daily SCRUM meeting, the reported status will reveal issues and risks. The ScrumMaster must work proactively to workaround these issues and mitigate risks. The point here is that the team looks to the ScrumMaster for solutions. The fact is that SCRUM requires commitment. The team needs to work within the SCRUM process and feel apart of the key decisions being made. This is requires tremendous collaboration and team empowerment. Until the team feels committed to the Sprint, the SCRUM team will fail to deliver. The ScrumMaster is constantly challenged to foster an environment that enables the team to deliver with the high productivity promised by following the SCRUM process. Sometimes this could even lead to changing organizational values and behaviours. To be successful, consider doing a ScrumMaster certification.