Scrum was introduced in 1993 and is a framework that has seen considerable growth since then. Today, Scrum is common in every organization in the world. Scrum masters are employed to ensure that an organization incorporates and maximizes the value that they can obtain from the Scrum.
Table of Contents
What is Scrum?
Scrum is a popular framework that aims to enable teams to work together. Using Scrum, teams can:
- Learn from experiences
- Self-organize working on problems
- Reflect on their victories and losses
- Provide deliverables efficiently
- Use time and money effectively
- Divide projects into timeboxed iterations called sprints
- Provide better visibility to all team members
- Incorporate feedback from clients and customers regularly
- Focus on the efforts of individual team members
What is a Scrum Master?
A professional who leads a team using Agile project management throughout the project lifecycle is a Scrum Master. They use the project management framework to manage the flow of information between team members. The Scrum team leader is one who takes charge of leading the project, guiding the team and the product owner. The Scrum Master ensures that all team members follow Agile values and practices. They are also for good communication and collaboration between the business, the product owner, the team, and all individuals involved. All in all, they work behind the scenes and enable the team to understand technical and organizational dependencies.
What does a Scrum Master do?
Scrum is an Agile framework for developing complex projects, mostly software. The Agile project management methodology uses short development cycles called sprints. These result in the continuous improvement of a product or service. While there are many Agile frameworks, Scrum is the most popular option for fast moving projects. The Scrum methodology is very collaborative and needs an efficient process. The results will be dependent on the expertise of the Scrum Master.
Although tech companies mostly use Agile methodologies, Scrum Masters can be found in all kinds of companies and across industries.
How to become a Scrum master?
- Educational requirements and Scrum certification
Most people in recruitment will look for a Bachelor’s in IT, Business Administration, or related field. Ideally, you must also have an industry certification and a clear understanding of the terms, phrases, systems, and terminologies to safely incorporate the methodologies. A certified professional is also familiar with the different Scrum practices to be followed.
- Technical familiarity
The role of a Scrum Master is to help software development teams to build programs that keep roadblocks at a minimum. They also need to understand the technical terms used in the process. Also, understanding of Jira and Asana would be greatly beneficial to a Scrum Master.
- Coaching abilities
A skill in teaching can help a Scrum Master teach the teams how Scrum works. They will know what to do and explain to everyone about how and why they must do things. The Scrum Master plays the role of a coach and encourages team members to improve their strengths and recognize their weaknesses. They enhance the potential of a team by working with every team member.
- Handle conflicts and be a leader
When there is a conflict in a team which they cannot resolve themselves, a Scrum Master gets involved, resolves the conflict, and ensures that the progress of the team is not hampered. Most Scrum Masters are experienced negotiators and facilitators. They have the right interpersonal skills to handle disagreements and help find the right solution for everyone. They also act as part of the team and keep the team’s needs before the individual.
Skills of a Scrum Master
Companies hiring Scrum Masters are looking for in-depth Scrum knowledge. Before applying for a position, you must practice the Scrum principles in various projects and tasks. Even before you start your career, you can employ the ideas to approach a hobby, plan an event or for home renovation.
You also need to build your professional network by attending Agile conferences or joining an Agile group. Meeting other professionals will help you learn about open vacancies and get you some good Scrum career advice.
You could also upgrade your skills by attending online programs and advance your Scrum and Agile principles knowledge. You could also improve your interpersonal skills such as teamwork and communication which will help you do well in a job interview. Volunteering or extracurricular activities will also help you build skills. Becoming a certified Scrum Master and enrolling in an officially recognized Scrum Master course can elevate your abilities.
Summary
As a Scrum Master you can reach out to top companies and play an integral role in their success. You will get a chance to develop products that impact lives positively. You will also have the opportunity to encourage a positive working environment at the workplace while ensuring successful outcomes. The demand for Scrum Masters is increasing every day and it has good potential as a career option.
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