Technology Project management can be handled effortlessly with the proper system in place. Scrum is a framework to organize a complex system into manageable goals for a collaborative team. Scrum Master skills are handled and organized by Agile Teams, see how our Agile Team maximizes them! At WillDom, we have a great solution for all of your technology needs.
A scrum master skills assessment determines needs as well as strengths when organizing a project. To make an Agile project run smoothly, the following scrum master skills can be utilized to manage a project. Also, discover below how a Scrum Master can maximize their expertise to lead their project.
Top Ten Scrum Master Skills
- Scrum and Agile Training
It would be impossible to lead an Agile Team without any knowledge of scrum.
Many online programs offer Scrum Certification which teaches how to lead a team through Scrum’s best practices. Official training equips a person not only with the knowledge they need but also with the tools they need to discern good from unhelpful research.
Gaining Scrum skills is the first step on a Scrum Master’s journey.
2. Organizational Skills
Because Scrum is an organizational framework, strong organizational skills are important to be a Scrum Master.
An efficient organization increases productivity and ensures resources are not wasted. Both are important to complete objectives in a timely manner.
3. Leadership
The purpose of a Scrum Master is to lead an Agile team.
Strong leadership skills cause teams to trust their leaders. When trust is fostered in a working relationship, both parties can focus on their specific job. When the leader trusts their team, the team feels valued and, as a result, is empowered to be more productive. When a team trusts their leader, they desire to follow what the leader asks them to do.
This cycle of trust can be established by any effective leader.
4. Coaching Skills
A coach understands their team and the team’s abilities. They know how to leverage the team members’ skills.
A Scrum Master acts as a coach assessing skills and organizing their team to reach a successful goal. If a team member is lacking, a good coach can give them the tools they need to become stronger.
5. Great Communicator
Great communicators help their team feel heard and get great results from them. They listen and are listened to. Great communicators listen to understand and increase productivity without team burnout.
The Scrum Master can make better decisions because strong and open lines of communication keep them informed; the team doesn’t waste time due to misunderstood expectations.
6. Ability to Implement Procedures
Procedures line out a plan for a team to meet goals. A Scrum Master must be able to implement procedures properly because that causes a team to use time efficiently.
When procedures aren’t implemented, a team can misunderstand the project direction and waste time because procedures must be retaught.
7. Ability to Keep the Team On Course
All projects have deadlines and goals. As a project unfolds, people can get sidetracked and a streamlined project can start to unravel.
A good Scrum Master can easily get a team back on track and continuing toward the deadline. When unexpected things arise, a Scrum Master who can keep their team on course can help the team navigate an altered project course.
8. Facilitation
Facilitating meetings and change are two things a Scrum Master needs to be able to do. Meetings are the backbone of the current corporate age. Most expectations and procedures are communicated through meetings. Having strong facilitation skills can help a person ensure that meetings don’t waste time or resources.
Facilitating change enables a team to operate in a growth mindset. The growth mindset allows growth by encouraging a team to focus on always becoming better.
9. Adaptability
Project needs and expectations can change. While a Scrum Master needs to be able to keep a team on track, they need to be able to adapt and assist their team in adapting when the project’s needs change.
If a leader can adapt and be flexible, stress is reduced and productivity is increased. If a team knows their leader can adapt under any circumstance, they will trust and be ready to pivot the plan as needed.
10. Complex Problem Solving
When a project’s need or scope shifts, it is the job of the Scrum Master to be the lead problem solver to determine the best project-salvaging solution. Problems are opportunities for solutions.
When a team leader can leverage their team’s resources to solve issues, a project is guaranteed a successful outcome.
Putting Scrum Master Skills to Work
At their core, a Scrum Master is simply a leader. By combining the mentioned soft skills with the Scrum framework, a Scrum Master can lead any team to meet a goal. The Scrum framework depends on a team leader to get the job done.
Now that you know what types of skills make a great Scrum Master, remember that our Agile teams can extend your abilities even further: visit our website or contact us on LinkedIn for more information.
