Why Do We Need a Scrum Master?

Scrum can be a dramatic change in approach for organisations that are new to it. It is a change from a predictive to an empirical approach to work. From a traditional way of developing products to an Agile approach. This can be a significant change for organisations working more conventionally for a long time.

The impact and cost of this change should not be underestimated. People may be comfortable with the status quo and not accept the need to change the approach. People may resist and actively work to prevent the change, significantly if it impacts their identity, values, and beliefs and takes them out of their comfort zone. Change is often necessary but still difficult.

The Scrum Master is a change agent helping people and the organisation to adopt Scrum and take an empirical approach. They support the adoption and use of Scrum in organisational environments where it is not yet fully adopted and understood. As this may be a considerable challenge, Scrum Master accountability is necessary to support the change. Having someone assume this accountability will be vital to its successful adoption.

The Scrum Master promotes and supports this change over the long term. They will need a mandate and ongoing support from management and leadership to succeed. Patience will be necessary as the change can take significant time and effort. This change will not be their top priority for many people in the organisation.

Once Scrum is understood and adopted, there will be new challenges for the Scrum Master to face. Change can and will happen even when things are going well, and the organisation may regress to an earlier state. Changes in personnel over time may make this even more likely. This is why Scrum Master accountability does not go away over time. A Scrum Master is always required in the Scrum Team.