The question which confuses most people is, how to become a scrum master and what are the requirements of being a scrum master? Does one need to have mandatory technical knowledge for becoming a scrum master? The answer to this question is not straightforward, a scrum master can become successful even without technical knowledge. Technical knowledge is not per se a requirement for becoming a scrum master but, having technical knowledge certainly helps a scrum master in operations.
In this blog, we will understand the meaning of the word scrum master, the basic requirements for becoming a scrum master and, in the later part we will discuss the requirement of technical knowledge.
Who is a scrum master and what are its basic qualities?
Scrum is an agile framework that is used in complex projects. There are various agile frameworks but, scrum is one of the most popular frameworks. Scrum framework helps teams and organisations to generate value through the adaptive solution to complex problems. The success of any scrum framework depends upon the Scrum master. The duties of a scrum master change from work to work but, few qualities remain the same for all scrum masters i.e., leadership skills to lead the team during projects, effective communication skills, problem-solving skills and adaptability to meet the unforeseeable challenges during the course of the project, without these qualities a person can’t become a successful scrum master.
Scrum master with technical skill
A scrum master is not a member of the development team per se, he only facilitates the process of development by applying agile principles. But, a scrum master with technical skills can play a more important role in the development process, he can act in a position of a servant leader or as a technical facilitator. A technical scrum master brings a technical perspective to the team and can understand the development process by this he can implement the agile principles to their fullest.
If the scrum master speaks in the technical language of developers, it brings harmony to the team and increases the credibility of the scrum master.
Pros of Technical Scrum master
-Can understand technical problems.
-Can understand the point of view of the engineer as well as of the product owner.
-Can solve minor technical issues at the incipient stage.
-Can understand technical problems in better way
Scrum master with a non-technical background
A scrum master should have good communication and management skills, the non-technical background will not affect the development process as a scrum master is not part of the team, if he facilitates the process efficiently, he is more than good. Various top scrum certification instructor opines, a scrum master with good technical skills but, bad management skills can’t become a good scrum master.
Pros of a non-technical scrum master
- He does not bring his technical biases in the process.
- He gives more freedom to developers.
- He can help in other non-technical part of development
Conclusion
Technical background is not necessary for becoming a successful scrum master, the role of the scrum master is that of a facilitator, if he has good management and communication skills he can execute the agile framework efficiently.
Having a technological skill certainly increases understanding of the process and, a scrum master can help the team in several ways but it is not a mandatory requirement.
Technical scrum masters are best suitable for teams, which deal extensively in technical products.
Non-technical scrum masters are best suited for large teams, where a high level of coordination is required.