The Scrum Master (SM) role facilitates the team practice of lean thinking and agile tenets by using the Scrum framework. Operating in this role without authority is difficult and can lead to questions of worth to the value delivered. The SM role is important for the outcome of team harmony and to enable self-organization.  People with diverse skills may work in this role and do not necessarily have to be a domain expert in a specific discipline.  For example, the SM does not have to be a technical expert to help a software team use Scrum to be successful.  The key is the facilitation skills that enables flow between Scrum ceremonies and activities during the development of a product.

Fundamentally, if the Scrum Master demonstrates the attributes of a servant leader, the team receives greater value.  One thing that I want you to be aware of is a Scrum Master is not a project manager.  A person with project management training may participate as a Scrum Master but must pursue the ways of a Scrum Master.  Much like a Jedi must pursue the way of the force.

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