The implementation of the agile scrum method requires a restructuring of the project team. You have to somehow define 3 distinct roles: the product owner, the scrum master and the development team. All 3 are essential to the success of the project, but in this guide we will talk more about of the scrum master.
What is a scrum master? What are its powers? What differentiates him from the product owner? How to become a scrum master and what salary to expect? Find all the answers to your questions in the paragraphs below.
Scrum method what is it?
The scrum method East the agile method of project management the most used developed by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. It is defined as being a working framework particularly suited to the management of any project whose purpose is the development and supply of complex products.
It is based on an empirical, participatory, iterative and incremental approach. It is greatly appreciated since it allows simpler and more flexible management Works. And this, without compromising the quality and added value expected by the customer or end user.
The scrum method is based on 3 pillars
- Transparency : All information useful for the successful completion of the project must be accessible to all project stakeholders. They must also be understood by all.
- Inspection: The follow-up and control of achievements are not solely the responsibility of the auditors. All project stakeholders must show due diligence and regularly ensure that there is no gap between forecasts and achievements.
- Adaptation: It refers to the adjustments to be made in the event of drift. Teams must be prepared to redirect their actions if necessary.
The scrum method conveys 5 values
- Courage : Each speaker must know how to defend his ideas, know how to say no when necessary and know how to recognize his mistakes.
- The focus: You always have to focus on a limited number of tasks to be able to move forward and do things well.
- The commitment: To ensure the success of the project, each stakeholder must be committed to their team, the client and the project.
- The respect : Each stakeholder in the project must be treated in the same way, regardless of their level in the hierarchy.
- The opening: To achieve continuous improvement, one must remain open to new ideas, skills and perspectives.
What are the missions of the scrum master in agile project management?
A good scrum master takes on 5 major responsibilities. We have detailed them for you one by one below so that you can understand what differentiates it froma project manager classic.
Assignment #1: Facilitate sprint planning meetings
It is during sprint planning meetings that the sprint backlog or sprint book is established. The scrum masterthe product owner and the development team work together to:
- Determine and prioritize the tasks to be performed. And this, by reference to what is written in the product backlog or product backlog.
- Document the next sprint using data from previous sprints and estimates.
- Assess the team’s ability to initiate and complete the next sprint.
Each meeting ends with a question and answer session during which the stakeholders take the floor.
Assignment #2: Animate the daily scrums
Daily scrums are small meetings to discuss the previous day’s achievements and the agenda.
They allow the teams to report any blockages encountered in order to be able to start afresh on new bases.
Task #3: Solve obstacles that teams face
As a leader, the scrum master must help project teams solve and overcome the problems that prevent them from moving forward.
It is also his duty to simplify the work of the teams as much as possible to prevent them from falling behind.
Task #4: Assist in product backlog management
When the scrum master does not have meetings to lead, he must support the developers in their tasks. He’s going to get his hands dirty.
His skills and knowledge can help the development team to overcome certain features included in Specifications (product backlog).
Task #5: Facilitate review meetings
At the end of each sprint, a retrospective meeting is organized to identify its strengths and weaknesses.
Project teams can celebrate their successes, but also recognize their mistakes and learn from them. They will be able to act accordingly during the next sprints.
What is the role of the Scrum master in the scrum method
As previously said, the role of scrum master is not easy to define since it wears several hats. He acts as a real pilot and guarantees the progress of the project since he is both:
- Agile coach: The scrum master encourages his team to give their best during the sprints. He must demonstrate flexibility and openness so that the work environment is pleasant and conducive to productivity.
- Collaborator of the product owner: He supports the product owner in managing the product backlog (modifications, updates, etc.). It also helps the development team to sort and prioritize tasks to be performed.
- Former : As a scrum master, he perfectly masters the fundamental principles and best practices of the scrum method. It may therefore be required to provide training based on this methodology. And this, whether internally (in other departments of the company) or externally.
He takes care of convey messages from management to the rest of the team. He ensures that the application of the scrum method is done as it should be. And he takes care of respond to requests from external collaborators.
Scrum master vs. product owner
The scrum master and the product owner are both key roles inherent in the scrum methodology. Given all the tasks incumbent on the scrum master, some may confuse the objective or purpose of the two professions. This is why we decided to briefly address their dissimilarities.
- The scrummaster: It focuses on the “how?” ” of the project. How to make it progress? How to solve the problems encountered? How to boost the productivity of scrum team members? Etc.
- The product owner: It focuses on the “what?” and the “why?” ” of the project. It is he who determines the technical functionalities of the product and/or service to be developed on the basis of the customer’s requirements. It is also he who determines the order in which they must be executed (priorities).
THE scrummaster is the guarantor of compliance with the sprint backlog. The product ownermeanwhile, is the guarantor of compliance with the product backlog.
FAQs – Scrum master
The article dealing with scrum master job coming to an end. We hope that the proposed content has allowed you to better understand what this role consists of. We now have to answer the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
How to become a scrum master?
Contrary to what the majority thinks, specialized training is not required to be a scrum master. You just have to :
‣ Good knowledge of agile and scrum methods.
‣ Like to work in a team.
‣ Have a sense of mutual aid and sharing.
‣ Have a sense or a technical side.
‣ Stay attentive to market developments (tools, etc.)
Note that there is also a scrum master certificate. This is the Professional Scrum master II – PSM II Certification.
What are the qualities of the scrum master?
A good scrum master should be:
‣ Pedagogue
‣ Patient
‣ Charismatic
‣ Communicative
‣ Cooperative
‣ Organized
He must also have good interpersonal skills and show initiative (strength of proposal).
What salary for a scrum master?
The remuneration of a scrum master depends on his seniority and his experience. In France, a junior scrum master earns around 35,000 to 45,000 euros per year.
The salary of a senior scrum master is normally above 45,000 euros per year. It is difficult to establish a range since it varies enormously depending on the size of the company in which he evolves and the scope of the projects he supports.
An expert scrum master, on the other hand, can earn up to 55,000 euros per year.
What career development for a scrum master?
Eventually, a scrum master can become a product owner. Nothing also prevents him from launching his own account to become a freelance coach. He will thus be able to coach different teams in different fields and thus accumulate new experiences.