HKSM
Scrum Master
A servant-leader for the development team and custodian of the Scrum process. Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and shields the team from external disruptions; sometimes called a Flow Master.
Key Points
- Coaches the development team and stakeholders on effective use of Scrum to maximize value and flow.
- Facilitates Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Retrospective to maintain transparency and collaboration.
- Actively identifies, tracks, and removes impediments that hinder progress.
- Protects the team from interruptions and scope thrash, promoting a sustainable pace.
Example
During a payments platform sprint, two user stories are blocked by a security review. The Scrum Master organizes a quick cross-team session with the security group, agrees on a temporary workaround, makes the impediment visible on the board, and works with the Product Owner to defer any new sales-driven requests to the Product Backlog instead of disrupting the current sprint.
PMP Example Question
Mid-sprint, developers are being pinged directly by sales with urgent requests. What should the Scrum Master do first?
- Ask the team to work overtime to handle the additional requests.
- Order the Product Owner to re-plan the Sprint Backlog immediately.
- Route requests through the Product Owner and remind stakeholders that new work goes to the Product Backlog, not the current sprint.
- Escalate to the PMO to block sales from contacting the team.
Correct Answer: C — Protect the team and uphold the Scrum process
Explanation: The Scrum Master shields the team from disruptions and ensures changes enter through the Product Owner and Product Backlog, rather than interrupting the ongoing sprint.
