What are Scrum Team roles?
The whole concept of Scrum was originally inspired by rugby teams and the benefits of their self-organising approaches on the pitch.
Similarly, the success of Scrum project management hangs on a tightly knit, productive Scrum Team.
Within the team, each member has a very specific role and set of responsibilities. Here’s an overview of each role and what it entails.Scrum Product Owner (SPO)
The Scrum Product Owner has several functions, but the main one is to be the voice of the customer.
Scrum Product Owners communicate regularly with both the customer or other project stakeholders, and with the Scrum Team.
A “Sprint” is a cycle of productivity during a Scrum project, usually between 2 and 4 weeks long. The Scrum Product Owner defines the Sprint’s criteria – what will be achieved during the Sprint. They work with the Scrum Master throughout the Sprint to prioritise requirements and track progress.
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Scrum Master (SM)
Scrum Master is perhaps the best-known, and certainly most popular certification option within Scrum Team roles. The Scrum Master is often viewed as a central cog within the team, keeping all parts of the Sprint moving along nicely.
As noted above, the Scrum Master will work with the Scrum Product Owner to monitor the Sprint’s progress and determine ongoing priorities.
They will also ensure that the right environment for the Scrum Team’s productivity is in place. Scrum Masters protect the team from distractions and help to remove obstacles to progress.
They mentor the other team members in the use of Scrum and oversee its values are upheld at all times. They also ensure that team members manage their workload evenly to avoid burnout or falling short of goals.
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Scrum Developer (SD) – aka Scrum Team
These are the other members of the Scrum Team who will work actively on the Sprint’s deliverables. They communicate regularly with other team members, and provide updates on progress to the Scrum Product Owner at Sprint meetings.
Scrum Team members must possess a solid understanding of the values and processes of Scrum, and be able to work proactively to achieve the goals of the Sprint.
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Why is the Scrum Team important?
To work well, Scrum projects rely on the 3 Pillars of Scrum: Transparency, Inspection, and Adaption.
- Transparency: everyone can see what’s happening in the Sprint, and monitor its progress.
- Inspection: the Scrum Team reviews the positives and negatives at the end of each Sprint. They identify key take-away insights for improvement that can be brought into the next Sprint.
- Adaption: Scrum project management welcomes and responds positively to change.
In order to uphold these 3 pillars, you need a well-educated, committed Scrum Team.
How can you be part of a strong Scrum Team?
If you want to work as part of a productive, highly-functioning Scrum Team, we recommend getting trained and certified in Scrum knowledge and roles.
With online training, you can gain a strong understanding, skills, and certification in a focused timeframe.
You can learn more about our online Scrum courses by clicking on the role that interests you most below:
Need Some Guidance?
If you’re not sure which Scrum Team role would suit you best, we’ll be happy to advise.
Our training consultants have plenty of experience with Scrum, and can offer guidance on where to get started. You can reach our team by phone (Freephone 1800 910 810) or by clicking below to Ask A Question.