The Agile transition for engineering: Scrum Master vs Project Manager

Taking on Agile is a full-on organizational change for the engineering branch. Workflows, processes, and even team roles need to be adjusted. Understanding the key roles of Scrum often has a direct effect on the methodology succeeding or failing. One of the most common misconceptions is that the Project Manager and the Scrum Master roles are pretty much the same.

Transitioning over to Agile is particularly relevant in 2020 during the times of COVID-19 and the increasing popularity of remotely working teams. For engineering businesses coming from the traditional project management point of view switching over to Agile could seem simple. You rename Project Manager into Scrum Master and the senior management to Product Owner. Seems right? Well, it isn’t. With a changed concept of a now self-managing agile team, the role of what is an Agile project manager changes as well.

Scrum master definition

To compare the two roles, we first have to understand what they actually are.

A project manager – manages the team by organizing all of the work processes and assigning tasks.

A scrum master – is a guide that helps the team implement Agile practices. His or her role is about aiding and guiding the team in this process.

Thus, as we see from the Scrum master definition, the two roles differ quite a bit. One aims to control the process and the other supports implementation of Agile methods. To better understand the underlying differences, let’s explore them through several different aspects.

Team management

Project managers in traditional engineering companies assign tasks, monitor deadlines, manage risks and control the team to achieve the desired result. They prioritize features and may also coordinate with other dependent teams.

Meanwhile, the Scrum master focuses solely on the application of Scrum methods. They help the team understand how it works, but have no say in task allocation, deadlines, and other related matters. A professional Scrum master removes blockers that hinder project progress and help teams estimate and increase productivity. For that, they might use an agile board like Kanban to help coordinate the process in an effective and visual way. Furthermore, the Scrum master facilitates scrum meetings and sprint planning. As well as acts as a glue that holds the team together help improve its dynamics, and motivates the team. They lend support to whatever part of the project needs assistance at a certain time.

Taking care of outside relationships

Another major part of both roles is managing not only the team but the outside relationships as well. Project managers focus on communicating with senior management and other parties of the project to ensure continuous progress. In other words, they report to business leadership on project development.

Scrum master does the same, but with a slightly different angle. Once the initial team processes are set up and functioning, Scrum master helps team members establish good communication lines with the outside contractors and teams. So instead of taking on the role themselves, they make sure the team does collaboration effectively on their own by promoting continuous communication. The scrum master is responsible for empowering the team instead of doing the job for them.

Controlling the big picture

Lastly, there is no business without the big picture. Project managers aim to stay within the deadline, manage resources and control the team to achieve the end result.

Meanwhile, the Scrum master looks at the organization as a whole and helps it achieve a holistic Scrum implementation. We can use this example to define the Scrum master role – it is her or his responsibility to coach Product Owners and the Scrum team on a successful Agile application. As well as to explain Agile to stakeholders and facilitate change in the organization.

How to transition from PM to a professional Scrum master?

Are you a project manager in an engineering company overgoing an Agile implementation and now seem lost? There is no need to worry, but you have to accept that your role will have to change. Scrum offers three basic roles. As a project manager, you will have to choose the one that suits you best. When you switch from Waterfall to Agile, the responsibilities of the project manager are split among a variety of team members. Some responsibilities go to the Product Owner, some to the Scrum Master, and some to the Scrum team in general.

Member of the Scrum Team

If you were always a more hands-on kind of leader, becoming part of the team might be the best fit. You will have to actually perform tasks and execute the project, but this way you will stay very close to the action. As a team member, you will feel the beating heart of the project daily.

Product Owner

On the other hand, if you were always more concerned with the big picture while letting the team handle the day-to-day tasks alone, the Product owner could be a great fit. You will communicate with clients and create a holistic vision for the team to execute. You will get a chance to see progress during Sprint reviews and steer the team in the right direction to move forward.

Certified professional Scrum Master

Lastly, you could become the Scrum master. Keep in mind that this role requires deep knowledge of Scrum, especially in the beginning when the team is adapting. But in case you are the one pushing for the transition and can offer your knowledge base to the team, this will be a great option.

Scrum master meaning

If you decide to go for the Scrum master role, keep in mind that you will require a completely new skillset. So make sure to understand the role of a Scrum master what is crucial before you begin. Take the necessary courses, learn about Agile and Scrum and consult with another more experienced scrum master to truly get into the new role and benefit your team.

To become a great scrum master, you will have to leave the leading role behind and become the supporting actor to your Scrum team.

Original Source Link: Click Here

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Computers/Software/30320-The-Agile-transition-for-engineering-Scrum-Master-vs-Project-Manager.html