Scrum Master Servant Leadership
The concept of the Scrum Master as a Servant Leader underlines the role of the Scrum Master in supporting the development team. Rather than being a traditional manager who directs the team, the Scrum Master acts as a facilitator, aiding the team in ensuring they understand and uphold the principles and values of Scrum. They remove any obstacles the team may encounter, and help them reach consensus during decision-making processes. The Scrum Master also fosters a collaborative environment and encourages self-organization within the team.
Guide: Scrum Master Servant Leadership
What is it?
Scrum Master Servant Leadership is an approach where the scrum master acts as a servant first, to the scrum team, rather than a traditional 'command and control' leader. The focus is to fulfill the needs of the team members, remove any obstacles they might be facing and enable them to achieve their full potential and perform at their best.
Why is it important?
This leadership style promotes team self-organization, boosts morale, enhances productivity and fosters a positive and cooperative team environment.
How it works?
The scrum master facilitates communication, shields the team from external interferences, promotes challenge-solving, and empowers the team to make decisions.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Scrum Master Servant Leadership
1. Reflect on real-life examples and experiences, if any.
2. Understand the core characteristics and principles of servant leadership.
3. Be clear about the role and responsibilities of a scrum master in the context of servant leadership.
4. Remember that the focus is on the 'team' and not on the 'task'.
CSM - Scrum Master Servant Leadership Example Questions
Test your knowledge of Scrum Master Servant Leadership
Question 1
Your team is struggling with the adoption of a new technology vital to your project. As a servant leader, what's your best course of action?
Question 2
The development team has been consistently missing sprint goals, resulting in low morale. They believe that they are constantly failing. How can you, as a Scrum Master using servant leadership, help the team?
Question 3
During a retrospective, the team expresses frustration with the current backlog refinement process. As a servant leader, how should the Scrum Master facilitate an improvement?