The role of a scrum master is often seen as one of guidance, facilitation, and support, but what does a scrum master do during a sprint, exactly?
Many people, especially those new to agile, might wonder what scrum masters do after the team starts its sprint.
Well, the scrum master’s job isn’t just to help the team start a sprint. Their job is a lot more than that.
In fact, they have an important role to play in the success of a sprint.
If you’ve been asking what a scrum master does during a sprint, read on to see the breakdown (step by step).
1. Setting the stage: Sprint planning
Before the sprint even begins, the scrum master plays a crucial role in sprint planning.
Have you ever wondered how a team decides what they can realistically accomplish in a sprint?
The scrum master ensures the team understands the sprint goal and that the product backlog is refined and ready for selection.
They facilitate the discussion, helping the team commit to a feasible amount of work without overloading themselves.
But is it just about getting the team to agree on tasks? Not quite.
The scrum master also ensures that everyone is aligned on the sprint’s objectives and how success will be measured.
2. Daily scrum: Keeping the pulse
During the sprint, the scrum master’s role might seem less hands-on, but it’s no less vital.
While the scrum master doesn’t need to attend, one of their key responsibilities is to ensure the team hold daily scrum and keeps to the 15-minute time frame.
But why does this short, daily meeting matter so much?
Effective daily scrum isn’t just about status updates. It’s a daily opportunity for the team to synchronize their work, identify blockers, and adapt their plans.
Ever noticed how easy it is for meetings to drift off-topic?
Well, it’s the scrum master’s job to keep the team on track, making sure the discussion revolves around progress toward the sprint goal.
They also help identify and remove impediments that could slow the team down.
3. Shielding the team: Managing external distractions
Have you ever been in the middle of a task only to be interrupted by an urgent request or meeting?
Distractions can derail a team’s focus, especially during a sprint. The scrum master acts as a shield, protecting the team from outside interruptions.
They manage stakeholders’ expectations, ensuring that the team can focus on delivering value without unnecessary distractions.
But is it just about saying “no” to requests? Well, in my experience, it’s more nuanced than that.
Unnecessary distractions aren’t good for a scrum team’s productivity.
Therefore, scrum masters act as a buffer, handling issues that could otherwise derail the team’s momentum.
4. Facilitating collaboration and communication
Scrum master encourage the team to discuss and resolve conflicts constructively, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard.
This role isn’t about dictating decisions, but about guiding the team to reach a consensus.
It’s not uncommon for team members to have different ideas or approaches.
The scrum master helps the team navigate challenges, whether it’s a technical issue or a difference in opinion.
By facilitating these conversations, the scrum master ensures that the team remains cohesive and focused on the sprint goal.
5. Monitoring progress and removing roadblocks
As the sprint progresses, how does the scrum master ensure that the team stays on track?
They continuously monitor the team’s progress toward the sprint goal. This isn’t about micromanaging, but about being aware of potential roadblocks.
Whether it’s a technical challenge or a process-related problem, they work with the team to find solutions.
By removing these impediments, the scrum master helps the team maintain its velocity and achieve the sprint goal.
6. Coaching and supporting the team
One of the key responsibilities of a scrum master during a sprint is coaching the team. They help the team adhere to scrum practices and agile principles.
They also encourage continuous improvement, fostering a mindset of learning and adaptation.
This support isn’t just for the development team, though. The scrum master also supports the product owner in refining the product backlog and prioritising tasks effectively.
By supporting both the development team and the product owner, the scrum master ensures that everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
7. Preparing for the sprint review and retrospective
As the sprint nears its end, what’s the scrum master’s role in preparing for the sprint review and retrospective?
They ensure that the team is ready to present their work to stakeholders, facilitating a productive discussion about what was achieved and what can be improved.
During the sprint review, the scrum master helps the team showcase their work, ensuring that stakeholders understand the value delivered.
They also facilitate the retrospective, guiding the team to reflect on what went well and what could be better in the next sprint.
The scrum master’s continuous presence
So, what does a scrum master do during a sprint? The answer is multifaceted and crucial to the team’s success.
From facilitating meetings and removing roadblocks to coaching and supporting the team, the scrum master is the driving force behind a smooth and effective sprint.
Their role is not about command and control, but about empowering the team to work efficiently and deliver high-value results.
As the glue that holds the team together, the scrum master ensures that every sprint is an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and success.
Therefore, if you’re ready to elevate your team’s performance, you need a dedicated scrum master.
You can also learn whether scrum can work without a product owner or not.
I hope you found this post helpful.
