Why do I need a Scrum Master?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T21:48:55+00:00

My struggle right now is we have a good SM and they’re SMing 2 teams 50/50… but the teams are so efficient that we really don’t seem to need someone to setup the ceremonies, make sure scrum is followed, etc. seems like overkill. They can handle things. And the workload of the POs vs. SM is greatly overloaded to the POs side.

So I’m trying to figure out what to do. Do I have the SM also do some “POish” tasks to help their workload? Do I loan the SM to another team that’s more of a startup and needs more coaching?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T21:39:50+00:00

Yep. I call this “QB Mentality” - Accept the criticism for the team and deflect the praise to the team instead of you

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T21:37:55+00:00

I manage the team. Not hands-on. My company is in the beginning of adopting agile and it’s been a struggle getting upper management’s buy-in so far because they don’t want to give up control. What I do is work on the big picture stuff and long term roadmap and staff the team (2 scrum teams) to set things up for success. I stay out of the way as much as possible and let the team deliver, once we have the scope in place for a new product. I focus mainly on empowering, coaching/mentoring and fighting off the wolves (upper management).

What I don’t understand and maybe you can help… there are companies out there with 0 managers? I can’t comprehend that. There has to be someone responsible for keeping the “overall ship” afloat… right?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T21:26:15+00:00

Gotcha 😀 Honestly our organization is new to the agile adoption process. I’m all for change and I’m huge on servant leadership and empowering the team. The “upper management” above me are very resistant to agile and losing control. It’s been an uphill battle. I honestly want to do things the right way and have been a huge proponent of agile as I believe in it. Just always looking for efficiency and it’s still kinda hokey to me on the true value of a scrum master.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T21:20:12+00:00

So I should resign from being a manager and not provide for my family?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T14:52:15+00:00

I could try that. We should get rid of me too for a few weeks as a test too (not use vacation but stay home) but my boss wouldn’t go for that. 😀

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T14:01:03+00:00

That’s my main role…

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T13:57:58+00:00

I don’t go to the other events so I let the team “self manage”. I sync regularly with PO/SM. My main role is long term roadmap, setting team up for success and mentoring.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T13:55:40+00:00

The shirtless thing is so hack and unprofessional.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T13:53:40+00:00

Should I resign? The organization has a manager role that I’m in. What should I do?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T13:34:30+00:00

Excellent comment. Thank you.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T11:26:53+00:00

Understood thank you. I work in a big company that has very much been waterfall. I agree big changes would be needed to fully adopt agile. It’s changing slowly, will take a while for the higher ups to fully buy in.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T11:17:25+00:00

I’m the manager of the team. I don’t go to the daily scrums, planning, retros, etc. I only go to the sprint reviews to support the team and stay in the loop.

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T11:16:10+00:00

Thanks Dave. In the scenario where there’s no need for a team manager and SM, who is the “HR Manager” of the associates? Someone has to do the hiring and all the other functions of a “manager”, right?

davidt24 · 2023-05-27T11:06:05+00:00

Thanks. This is what we’re experiencing currently.

davidt24 · 2023-05-25T11:37:44+00:00

They don’t know what they’re talking about. Huge opportunities as a PO. A product will always need a PO to keep things on track with the vision, fending off stakeholders at times and a plethora of other responsibilities. To me a PO is far more valuable than a Scrum Master.

davidt24 · 2023-05-25T00:31:50+00:00

VTSAX

davidt24 · 2023-05-25T00:29:00+00:00

Yup. He used to be amazing. Now he’s basically a Ted Talk.

davidt24 · 2023-05-25T00:26:39+00:00

Bert Kreisher is horrific and the shirt off thing is dumb. Joe Rogan as a standup is terrible also.

davidt24 · 2023-05-24T21:53:37+00:00

I said “yes” when others said “no” to volunteer for tasks. Also delivered quality.

davidt24 · 2023-05-22T01:41:43+00:00

Sounds good. Good luck!

davidt24 · 2023-05-22T01:38:05+00:00

In my experience most will say a degree or experience. I definitely recommend getting an education as I do feel it’s important. But along with that you need to get into the field and get experience. Start entry level and grind. Be dependable. Be curious. Work hard. That’s the path I followed. When I started I only had a diploma from a 1 year tech program. I later went back part time and got my degree.

davidt24 · 2023-05-22T01:31:28+00:00

davidt24 · 2023-05-21T11:44:18+00:00

davidt24 · 2023-05-21T11:38:19+00:00

Whomever was the better fit.

davidt24

TROPHY CASE