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🤬 Rant: Scrum Masters are no Project Managers! We do not tell our teammates when to do what and how. We do not track working hours. We do not push to increase utilization rates or velocity. We do not have any authority over other team members but lead by example. Instead, we train, coach, and mentor our teammates to become continuously better at solving our customers’ problems. PS: We also do not book meeting rooms, clean Sprint boards, play Bob Marley at the beginning of the Daily Scrum, or order stickies. #justsaying #agile #Scrum #scrummaster #projectmanager
Totally agree! It’s worrying how many of these hybrid ‘Scrum Master/Project Manager’ jobs I keep seeing advertised though. Either they have no idea of the difference between these roles or they are trying to cut costs/budgets by combining the 2 roles.
Connor Roberts
12mo
I think we're past the point where we can simply hold up a yellow card and say "No" when someone asks us for PMO help. In fact, I think when we do that, that prevents someone (management) from reaching out to us again in the future. In my experience, I've seen the most skilled scrum masters / agile coaches recognize that when someone comes to us and asks for something, whether that be a typical SM responsibility or not, it's an opportunity to be pulled into the problem. Typically when a stakeholder asks for some task, they already have a direction for what they're trying to accomplish and need to get it done. Rather than push back right then and there, I think sometimes by doing some of that "grunt" work temporarily allows us to show we're valuable in a way they understand. This usually opens them up to seeking our counsel in the future. Getting someone to pivot doesn't happen in a single discussion. Also....the industry is shifting. Corporate recruiters are posting job descriptions for "Scrum Masters" but companies really need someone who can understand the program level and drive delivery. Gone are the days of Scrum Masters doing only what we consider SM duties. The role is evolving.
Mano Jay
12mo
From this point forward, the leadership is integrated with the project management capabilities.
"Why not?" It's a choice - so that choice better have a benefit that managers understand.
I thought Scrum Masters were servant leaders. So maybe booking meetings isn’t beneath them
Anthony Dang
1y
Oh utilisation! My most hated topic.
Also the SM is not the default note taker !
Ken Levy
1y
I have seen folks who have been trained and are effective at both roles - but it’s very careless to just assume they are the same.
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1yStephan… I understand your point as I read your newsletter regularly. But have a slightly different thought to add since I have done these both separately and in hybrid. What you said is the way an org/teams get best out of Scrum but only when the org/execs understand it as well. Personally I am ok to do these two roles in hybrid as long as a working agreement is established to quantify my value add. While I refer the book, I don’t go by it always. My role is to work within an organization with its limits and constraints and improve. Recently our entire Agile Office was laid off and during the announcement they said the company needs to be Agile. It was funny 😄 but I was cool because as the org they did not consider us an essential service during a downsizing. We need to be discussing more on Scrum Value Add to more people across the org. Busting myths that float around. 1. Having a scrum master will make you Agile.. 2. Anyone in any role can also take up the SM role 3. Scrum Master a Part Time role 4. A certification alone does not make you a Scrum master I enjoy my role as a Scrum Master but always open to what is needed to be done.