From a collection of writings I wrote in 2007 when I first explored this methodology.
Yesterday one of our Scrum Masters made a comment "What can I do? I have nothing to say. For all practical purpose I am a dummy and it is the team which is responsible". I thought that that was a very stupid comment to make and at the same time was puzzled at that opinion.
The textbook definition of a Scrum master is a "person who ensures that the Scrum process is used as intended. The Scrum Master is the enforcer of rules and sprints of practice. The master protects the scrum team from impediments and distractions".
To me this role is quite powerful albeit that unlike a typical project manager, the scrum master does not enjoy the directive controls over the team. But played well, he has lot of leverage to influence the team, lead the team towards right practices and insulate the teams from external distractions. The closest analogy I can think for this role is that of a shepherd who lets the sheep graze by themselves while at the same time keeps a watch over them, ensure that the flock is protected enough and insulated from external threats (if the threats arise, he acts to mitigate the same), and lead the flock towards greener pastures.
I also believe that this role mandates that the Scrum Master devote sufficient energy towards the overall health of the team so that the team productivity level can increase. My personal opinion is that the Scrum master should be an active participant at each and every stage of the scrum development cycle and should facilitate and help the team to accomplish the committed objectives. By no means, can I accept the statement that this role is a "Dummy Role".
Yesterday one of our Scrum Masters made a comment "What can I do? I have nothing to say. For all practical purpose I am a dummy and it is the team which is responsible". I thought that that was a very stupid comment to make and at the same time was puzzled at that opinion.
The textbook definition of a Scrum master is a "person who ensures that the Scrum process is used as intended. The Scrum Master is the enforcer of rules and sprints of practice. The master protects the scrum team from impediments and distractions".
To me this role is quite powerful albeit that unlike a typical project manager, the scrum master does not enjoy the directive controls over the team. But played well, he has lot of leverage to influence the team, lead the team towards right practices and insulate the teams from external distractions. The closest analogy I can think for this role is that of a shepherd who lets the sheep graze by themselves while at the same time keeps a watch over them, ensure that the flock is protected enough and insulated from external threats (if the threats arise, he acts to mitigate the same), and lead the flock towards greener pastures.
I also believe that this role mandates that the Scrum Master devote sufficient energy towards the overall health of the team so that the team productivity level can increase. My personal opinion is that the Scrum master should be an active participant at each and every stage of the scrum development cycle and should facilitate and help the team to accomplish the committed objectives. By no means, can I accept the statement that this role is a "Dummy Role".
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