Why isn’t the Scrum Master called a Scrum Manager? 🤔

The Scrum Master plays a vital role in the Scrum framework, but they’re not referred to as a manager for a good reason. The term “Scrum Master” was intentionally chosen to avoid the managerial connotations.

Instead of being a manager, the Scrum Master’s role is to facilitate the Scrum process and assist the team in adhering to the Scrum framework. They don’t dictate what the team should do or how to do it; their primary responsibility is to foster an environment where the team can self-organize and self-manage.

The Scrum Master also focuses on eliminating impediments that hinder the team’s progress, whether they are technical issues, bureaucratic red tape, or interpersonal conflicts.

In essence, the Scrum Master is a servant-leader. They are there to support the team and help them succeed, not to be an authoritative figure.

So, why not call them a Scrum Manager? Because this term would imply a managerial role, which doesn’t align with the Scrum Master’s actual responsibilities. They are facilitators and servant-leaders, working collaboratively with the team to achieve their goals.

Here are some more reasons why the Scrum Master isn’t referred to as a Scrum Manager:

1. The Scrum Master isn’t responsible for the team’s outcomes. The team takes ownership of their results, and the Scrum Master assists them in reaching their objectives.

2. The Scrum Master lacks authority over the team. The team is self-organizing and self-managing, and the Scrum Master doesn’t have the power to dictate tasks or methodologies.

3. The Scrum Master isn’t part of the management team. Instead, they’re a member of the development team, working closely with their colleagues to support their success.