Comments on: Every Great Product Owner Needs a Great Scrum Master

By: Roman Pichler

Roman Pichler — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 07:52:59 +0000

In reply to Jonathan Beaty. Hi Jonathan, Thank you for your feedback. "ScrumMaster" is the traditional spelling of the term, which you can find in the early Scrum literature. "Scrum Master" is a more recent spelling adopted by the Scrum Guide from 2011 onwards. The initial version of this article used the old spelling. But encouraged by your feedback, I have now updated the spelling in the text. Hope this helps!

By: Jonathan Beaty

Jonathan Beaty — Wed, 08 Apr 2020 20:27:58 +0000

In reply to Roman Pichler.

Roman –

In your article, you used the term “ScrumMaster”, while in the users question and your response, you use “Scrum Master”. After some research, it seems there is massive confusion within the industry. I would love to hear your take on the proper usage, as it is specifically an issue when drafting a copy of one’s resume in an ATS world. Might your candidacy be excluded if you use the proper terminology? Are the HR resources configuring matching algorithms in ATS aware of the distinction?

By: Roman Pichler

Roman Pichler — Mon, 17 Feb 2020 10:07:37 +0000

In reply to Iyonia Noble.

Hi Iyonia,

Thanks for sharing your question. While I find it helpful for Scrum Masters to understand the product vision and strategy, what’s more important in my mind is that a) a validated product strategy exists, b) the product owner regularly reviews and developed the strategy, and c) that the stakeholders and dev team support the strategy and are involved in progressing it. If there is no vision or strategy, then I recommend discussing this issue with the product owner.

Hope this helps!

By: Iyonia Noble

Iyonia Noble — Sat, 15 Feb 2020 15:48:51 +0000

I’m a new Scrum Master but receiving no input from the product owner on the vision. What’s best way to handle this situation?

The dev team is helping me to catch up on what they’re working on, but that’s the POs job, correct? The PO is sort of new too and maybe doesn’t have a lot info?

Thanks.

By: Roman Pichler

Roman Pichler — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 11:03:10 +0000

In reply to The new kid on the block. Thank you for your feedback. How to best strengthen the relationship depends on the individuals. The key is to regularly connect IMO, for example, by having coffee or lunch together. If you find it hard to deal with your ScrumMaster, then you may want to take a look at my article Dealing with Difficult Stakeholders and Team Members. Hope this helps!

By: The new kid on the block

The new kid on the block — Thu, 15 Mar 2018 09:10:04 +0000

Love the article, gives you a clear insight of the 2 different roles. I have a question though, in order to improve their relationship would SM and PO meet on a regular basis, such as twice a week, to catch-up or check-in on how things are going and on how to work best together? What do you think?

By: Roman Pichler

Roman Pichler — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:44:53 +0000

In reply to Darren Smith.

Thanks for your feedback and sharing the infographic Darren.

By: Darren Smith

Darren Smith — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:13:00 +0000

Hi Roman, Great article – I based an infographic on this – thought you may find it of interest.

http://thenakedscrummaster.com/product-owner-versus-scrummaster/

By: David Gentry

David Gentry — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 17:35:40 +0000

Great post! Clear and concise. The visuals help. “The Scrum Guide” by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland is a great resource.

By: Roman Pichler

Roman Pichler — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 14:50:01 +0000

In reply to Cindy.

I find it generally helpful when a ScrumMaster has some technical understanding. But the specific skills required depend a lot on the people and organisation the ScrumMaster works with.