An enhanced role for the Scrum Master: Scrum Guide 2020

The Scrum Guide 2020 versions decreases its amount of pages from 20 to 15 pages, showing a clear will to simplify its principles and systematically get to the point. This effort in being succinct may also be the sign for the method to open to a broader array of sectors outside IT and tech industry. I will be focusing on Scrum Master role only according to new version of Scrum Guide.

An enhanced role for the Scrum Master

The Scrum Master takes a leading role within the method’s new organization. It even appears as soon as the first page, where he’s described as a real conductor in the management area. For recall, the Scrum Master’s goal is to conduct the team as a whole while respecting the rules and framework of the Scrum method.

The major change lies in the allocation of his missions and responsibilities. The Scrum Master is now accountable for his team’s efficiency as a whole and for a good execution of tasks. He’s no longer considered as a facilitator or coach, his role now consist simultaneously in: 

- Leading the team, in order to be a source of motivation
- Staying alongside the team, in order for it to continuously improve
- Observing the team’s evolution

This is likely due to answering to the new market requirements and the will to legitimize the Scrum Master, granting him a broader role within the team.

One of the principle of Manifesto for Agile Software Development and how Scrum master comes to picture according to new Scrum Guide.

‘’Customer collaboration over contract negotiation’’: The Scrum Master becomes a true leader working for the Scrum Team and the entire organization. He now goes beyond the role of a servant leader, which only consisted in providing a framework, animation, and motivation for the team. This broader role makes him the favorite contact for people outside the team, including customers.

Conclusion

Scrum master leaves his/her role as a facilitator to become fully accountable for the performance of his team, as mentioned above. This mutation actually brings him closer to the traditional role of project manager and this could skew his role if it isn’t clearly defined at the start of the project.

Source:

Scrum Guide 2020: Is It Still Agile?