I've become a Scrum Master, what should I do? A guide to getting started, launching a team, and market expectations
The role of Scrum Master is becoming increasingly common in organisations, often filled by professionals who previously worked in other positions, such as project manager, team lead or developer. Although the transition may seem simple, it actually requires a completely new mindset, approach and set of skills.
The challenge is particularly great when the Scrum Master starts with a newly formed team, the organisation's agile maturity is still undeveloped, or the role is misunderstood. In such situations, the Scrum Master becomes a coach, facilitator, conflict manager and process owner all at once – without any formal authority.
In this article, we review the first steps as a new Scrum Master, the most important tasks of the role, current market expectations, and domestic salary ranges.
Who is a Scrum Master?
In the scrum master Their role is often misunderstood; sometimes the position is jokingly referred to as a „pizza delivery person,” „board holder,” or „note taker.” However, these labels usually indicate that the team or organisation is not yet familiar with how Scrum really works. The Scrum Master is actually a professional who supports the team's development processes, acting as a coach, facilitator, agile expert or even mentor to help ensure smooth collaboration and continuous improvement.
Filling this role requires time and experience; this is especially true when someone is new to the position. In such situations, the support of an experienced agile coach can be invaluable in helping to successfully navigate the initial challenges.
What does a Scrum Master do and what are their responsibilities?
The Scrum Master's primary responsibility is to ensure that Scrum works properly, i.e. to enforce the Scrum principles. But what does that mean?
A Scrum Master:
- operate and support the mechanisms, and
- eliminates any problems that could jeopardise the success of the project.
In practice, you will participate in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, backlog refinement, demos, and retrospectives. You will facilitate, coach, and support the entire work process in order to achieve business goals and ensure the team operates efficiently.
Scrum Master job: these are the expectations and challenges you can expect
Scrum Master positions are currently among the most sought-after roles in the IT and product development sector. Companies are looking for professionals who are not only skilled at conducting ceremonies, but who also create real value by improving team performance. The role of the Scrum Master thus goes far beyond the tasks of a facilitator: the position is one of the key factors in the agile functioning of the team and the organisation.
The following are particularly important for the position of Scrum Master:
- communication skills
- appropriate conflict management
- the authentic, non-hierarchical leadership presence.
Although professional background – such as experience as a developer, tester or project manager – is an advantage, success depends primarily on an agile mindset, empathy and a commitment to continuous improvement.
There are more and more Scrum Master positions available on the market, which creates fierce competition. Candidates who can demonstrate their ability to support team self-organisation, understand the practical aspects of agile working, and have a real impact on organisational results will come to the fore.
Scrum Master salary: What can we expect as professionals?
Scrum Masters are becoming increasingly valued financially, which reflects the growing market demand for this role. Companies view the position as a high value-added, strategic function, so sought-after, experienced professionals can expect competitive compensation packages.
In the domestic IT market, Scrum Master salaries vary significantly depending on experience. Junior roles offer a stable starting salary, which increases at the mid-level, while senior Scrum Master salaries are particularly high, especially if the professional supports multiple teams or more complex product development. Salary ranges are also influenced by the size and industry of the organisation, as well as the candidate's agile experience and certifications.
You can calculate it roughly as follows:
- Junior (0-2 years): approx. HUF 900,000 – 1,100,000 gross
- Medior (3-5 years): approx. HUF 1,100,000 – 1,400,000 gross
- Senior (5+ years) approx. gross 1,650,000 – 2,000,000 HUF
Based on international trends, Scrum Master salaries remain attractive, and the role offers a stable long-term career path for those who are able to continuously develop their methodological and interpersonal skills.
What should you do as a Scrum Master when starting a new team?
1. Assess the team's agile knowledge and, if necessary, hold a crash course!
If team members are unfamiliar with the framework, they will not be able to adhere to it. Understanding ceremonies, roles, products and, perhaps even more importantly, the fundamentals of the agile approach is the basis for this type of operation.
2. Clarify expectations!
Let us ask the question: how can I support you? In addition to all this, let us also formulate our own expectations of the team, point out any unrealistic expectations (!!!), as without a partnership, we cannot expect much good to come of it.
3. Find out what the organisation hopes to achieve by having the team!
It is not only in the case of traditional projects that it is important for the project to be based on real business needs. It is best if we can identify how the objectives fit into the strategy, and no, creating and developing a product is not a strategic objective in itself, it can only be a tool.
4. Agree with the Product Owner (PO) on the method of cooperation and expectations!
A good PO lives and breathes with the team and is able to represent the business and its needs. We clearly define the scope of his and the SM's responsibilities and authority, how cooperation can be optimised, and how we can support the cooperation between the PO and the team.
5. Assess the necessary competencies and those covered by the team, and support the team in drawing up a learning plan!
Do not expect that the team members' competencies do not need to be developed; such super teams do not exist, or are very rare! Work with the team to determine what is needed for successful delivery, then identify which team members have which competencies. Let's try to help with bottlenecks, gather information about which team members are open to development and which team members can contribute to this. If we do this skilfully, it can add tremendous value to the organisation and the individual beyond the project!
6. Establish the team's ground rules!
It is fundamental, yet we often forget it. Defining team norms, basic rules and operating frameworks speeds up processes and makes operations more efficient.
7. Visualise your work processes, which will help you in your work!
Whether it's a sticky note or an IT tool, it's critical that the team can track the progress and status of their work. Daily stand-ups will be short if they can be implemented efficiently in a predefined format and we don't spend time looking for answers to questions like, "What did I work on yesterday?"
8. Help the team get to know each other better!
Let's go for a beer with the team. Sprints are demanding for the team and its members, requiring direct communication, relationships and close cooperation. Let's try to „push” the team out of its formal framework and remember the basic principles of the Agile Manifesto regarding motivation, self-organisation and communication!
9. Clarify with the PO when we consider a task to be complete!
Be clear about what the PO considers to be completed, delivered functionality. Define exactly what this means, how it can be verified, and how it can be achieved through which flow. It is important that the team is also aware of this, so that there are no „It's done, but...” situations!
10. Let us hold up a mirror to ourselves so that we not only talk about agility, but also act accordingly and set an example for the team!
A good Scrum Master is also a role model for the team, who can be credible if they not only talk about agility, but also know how to work according to it. Let's set an example, be value-oriented, and stick to the predefined framework ourselves.
Contact
If you need assistance, our agile coaches, trainers, and consultants, who are certified Scrum Masters and Product Owners with active development backgrounds, can provide practical solutions and support.
Would you like to obtain internationally recognised agile certifications (PMI Agile Certified Practitioner, PSM, PSPO, SAFe, Scrum.org)?
Are you looking for a practical programme where you can experience the most common challenges of the Scrum Master role?
Get in touch with us!
info@promanconsulting.hu
Finally, we conclude with a classic video, prepare face paint and protective gear!
Frequently asked questions:
What is Scrum Master?
The Scrum Master is the mentor and facilitator of the agile team, ensuring that the team works effectively within the Scrum framework. Their most important tasks include removing obstacles, supporting the team's self-organisation, promoting adherence to Scrum principles, and establishing smooth communication between team members and other stakeholders.
Do you need technical knowledge as a Scrum Master?
It is not mandatory, but it is a strong advantage. Technical background helps to better understand the team's obstacles, development processes, and how tools work, enabling faster and more effective support.
What is the difference between a Scrum Master and a project manager?
The project manager directs and is responsible for the outcome of the project. The Scrum Master does not direct, but supports the team and ensures that Scrum works. He or she is a servant leader, not a hierarchical leader.
What difficulties does a new Scrum Master most often encounter?
Common challenges:
- if the team is not yet agile in its thinking,
- if the organisation's vision or processes are unclear,
- if the role is misunderstood (considered to be an administrator),
- or if there is no adequate support from management.
How much experience is required for a Scrum Master position?
For junior positions, 0–2 years of experience in an agile environment is usually sufficient, while for mid-level and senior positions, several years of experience and deeper methodological knowledge are required.
Do you need leadership skills as a Scrum Master?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. The Scrum Master is a servant leader: they lead by example, coaching and facilitating, not by giving orders.
Is it possible to work remotely as a Scrum Master?
Yes. The role can be performed well in a remote environment, although hybrid working is preferable in many organisations due to team dynamics.
What tools does a Scrum Master use most often?
Typical tools: Jira, Azure DevOps, Miro, Confluence, Slack/Teams, digital task boards.
Is it worthwhile to obtain multiple certifications as a Scrum Master?
Yes, mainly PSM I. starting point, then SAFe or PSM II/III certifications.
What is the most common misconception about the role of a Scrum Master?
Many people view it as an administrative or coordinating position, whereas the main purpose of the role is to develop and support the team's performance.
