Scrum-master

/skrʌm ˈmæstər/ noun

Definition

A facilitator and coach in Agile development who helps teams follow Scrum practices, removes obstacles, and ensures the team can work effectively. They serve the team rather than manage it in a traditional sense.

Etymology

Combines 'scrum' (borrowed from rugby, meaning a tight formation for restarting play) with 'master' from Latin 'magister' (teacher, director). The role was formalized in the Scrum framework created by Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber in the 1990s.

Kelly Says

Despite the title, a Scrum Master has no authority over team members—they're more like a 'servant leader' who works for the team, not the other way around! This inverted hierarchy was revolutionary in project management and often confuses traditional managers.

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