If you are skilled at managing teams, processes, and time, the Scrum Master position might be right for you!
If you've been navigating the turbulent waters of project management for a while, there's no chance you haven't heard of Scrum and agile project management methodologies in general. And if you're a newcomer ready to guide teams to success, it's time to learn more about Scrum.
Scrum is an agile framework that helps teams work better together on software development or product projects.
In Scrum, not everything is planned out in advance. Instead, small steps are taken, followed by a pause to review the entire process. We've noticed that a large majority of our clients are transitioning to Scrum, and from various positions (we've had recruiters, bankers, fitness trainers, and coaches), so we became interested in learning more and decided that this would be the first text in a series of blog posts about interesting careers and jobs you can do from home.
But before we embark on this journey…
…let's go back to 1986 (Scrum is as old as I am – unbelievable!!!).
Hirotaka Takeuchi and Ikujiro Nonaka, two brave researchers, wanted to find a better way to develop products. They began their mission and wrote an article titled “The New New Product Development Game.” In that article, Takeuchi and Nonaka linked concepts of teamwork and cohesion from rugby (!?) with the software development process. Scrum became a key part of that process.
And so, the world gained a new metaphor for project management.
What does a Scrum Master do?
Imagine you are part of a team building a house out of LEGO bricks.
You are all talented builders and have ideas on how to make the house the best it can be.
But, to turn all those ideas into reality, you need someone to be the team leader and ensure everything goes smoothly.
That's where the Scrum Master comes in – the captain of your LEGO team. Their job is to make sure you all work together like a well-oiled machine.
They are an expert in all the LEGO bricks and ensure you have everything you need to build the house – bricks, tools, and blueprints.
They are there to help you create a plan to build the house step by step and remove obstacles from your path. They ensure team meetings are organized and that all team members have the opportunity to express their ideas and opinions. But most importantly, the Scrum Master wants all team members to be happy and have fun while building the house.
So, the Scrum Master is the person in the team who enables it to work seamlessly, adapt, and continuously improve. They train teams on agile principles, remove obstacles that hinder progress, facilitate daily meetings and iteration planning, and foster a culture of self-organization and continuous learning. If you see yourself in this role, maybe you should learn more about Scrum!
Roles in Scrum
It's important to note that the Scrum Master never makes all the decisions independently, as that would only hinder the team. Alongside them are the Product Owner and the development team.
We will write about the Product Owner position another time, but for now, it is enough to know that their task is to anticipate client needs and act as a bridge between the development team and the client. They also assess progress at different stages and have the power to stop the development phase.
All three roles are essential for the success of the Scrum methodology and effective project management.
Will I be able to find a job as a Scrum Master?
The market is simply hungry for Scrum Masters!
There is almost no modern company with 20 or more employees that doesn't have a Scrum Master on their team. The great news is that this role is not limited to the IT industry, as many organizations across different sectors are adopting agile methodologies, which means your job prospects are extremely promising.
Agile positions are expected to continue evolving, providing you with opportunities for a diverse career and advancement. It already sounds promising...
What skills do I need to possess as a Scrum Master To thrive as a Scrum Master, a diverse set of skills and personal attributes is crucial.
Excellent communication and facilitation skills will help you effectively lead teams and promote collaboration. You will need a deep understanding of agile principles and frameworks, as well as the ability to apply them in the real world. Additionally, strong problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills will enable you to navigate the challenges that arise within the team.
Here are some other characteristics:
- Organization – Scrum Masters are masters of organization, ensuring that all teams and tasks are clearly defined and that all team members know their roles and responsibilities.
- Leadership Skills – Scrum Masters are leaders without formal hierarchy. They inspire and motivate the team to achieve its goals. Through leading by example, they demonstrate how the team can successfully handle challenges and overcome obstacles.
- Flexibility – Scrum Masters are open to change, receptive to new ideas, and always looking for ways to improve the team's work. Flexibility and adaptability are key to success in the dynamic environment of projects.
- Empathy – Scrum Masters are sensitive to the needs and feelings of team members, which helps the team reach its full potential.
- Continuous Learning – Scrum Masters are always in search of new knowledge and skills. They continually improve themselves and keep up with the latest trends in agile project management. Their desire for learning allows them to stay ahead of the curve!
These are all important qualities that a Scrum Master can (and should) include in their CV.
In what work environment does a Scrum Master function best? The work environment of a Scrum Master can vary depending on the industry and organization. You can work in traditional offices or co-working spaces. Likewise, you can work remotely, or from home. It's essential to encourage open communication and transparency.
Working hours usually follow standard business hours, but the agile nature of the job requires flexibility and adaptation to the team's needs. Occasionally, stressors may arise from managing expectations and maintaining team dynamics.
Koliko zarađuje Scrum Master?
A junior Scrum Master can expect to earn between €800-1000, while the average salary for an experienced Scrum Master in our region ranges from €1200-1500. Of course, there are companies willing to invest up to €2000 in a quality Scrum Master.
On the other hand, if you plan to freelance for foreign employers, those earnings can be higher, ranging from €20-50 per hour.
CONCLUSION
The journey of a Scrum Master offers surprises, opportunities for growth, and impact. Regardless of the industry you are in, agility is key to success. From IT to marketing, agile methodologies can transform the way we work. Set sail for success and become a highly valued Scrum Master!
