Scrum is a process of collaboratively performing a set of tasks regularly to fulfill a particular objective within a specific time frame.
To fully benefit from Scrum it is necessary to understand the Scrum roles, their responsibilities, skills, and the importance they play in the proper implementation of this methodology. With this clear, we will get more organization and efficiency. So, let's start:
Scrum Master
The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring the effectiveness of all Scrum Team roles, helping each of its members improve their practices. They are also in charge of clearing any roadblocks that stand in the way of achieving the objectives. This role serves the product owner, the development team, and the organization as a whole.
Scrum Master Responsibilities
- Guide team members to be self-managing and cross-functional
- Ensure the smooth progress of the project
- Ensure that all Scrum events are conducted productively
- Set up a clear product schedule
- Ease and encourage teamwork
- Assess and map out Scrum implementation across the organization
- Lead, train and guide the organization in the implementation of the Scrum methodology
Scrum Master Skills
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Leadership and innovation
- Organization and planning
- Delegation of tasks
- Adaptation to change
- Interpersonal communication
Product Owner
This role is in charge of maximizing the product value and the work of the Scrum Team. It is really important to keep in mind that there is only one Product Owner per project, it is a single person, not a committee, and they are the only person who makes the final choices regarding the products. However, they can rely on other Scrum roles to clarify details and define criteria to help make the best decisions.
Product Owner Responsibilities
- Develop and communicate the product objective
- Manage the Product Backlog
- Sort the items in the Product Backlog
- Sort and prioritize tasks for higher productivity
- Ensure that the product list is clear and understood
- Represent the customer and their interests to obtain the highest possible value for the business
Product Owner Skills
- Solid vision
- Mastery of business tools
- Collaborative
- Responsive
- Ability to make decisions
- Analysis of customer needs and competitive environment
- Interpersonal communication
Development team
They are responsible for delivering the products as per the set standards. Scrum Developers are highly structured and cross-functional teams that have the authority to organize and manage their work, as well as to make their own decisions. No titles or sub-teams are set within the Scrum roles, as Everyone is responsible for the results.
The ideal size of a Scrum team should be small enough to remain agile, but large enough to complete all the work.
Development Team Responsibilities
- Deliver "Done" development tasks that can potentially be put into production at the end of each Sprint
- Only development team members perform deliverables
Development team skills
- Organized
- Efficient and effective
- Cross-functional. Must have all the necessary skills needed for development
Stakeholders
These are all the other people involved in the project, but who are not part of the Scrum Team. Nevertheless, they have one of the most important roles.
They are a source of information for the Scrum Team. The organization should encourage them to work according to what the team needs to complete the Sprint. Examples of Stakeholders are end users, management, sponsors, client-side IT teams, and anyone else who will interact with the project.
See our other post, Why Teams Should Use Agile, to learn more about Scrum or Contact us today to get started!