In Agile teams, the Scrum Master plays an important role. They help the team follow the Scrum process and make sure things run smoothly. But being a great Scrum Master is about much more than just organizing meetings. So, what makes someone truly great at this role? And what should they avoid?

Let’s break it down.

What Makes a Great Scrum Master

1. They Put the Team First

A great Scrum Master is a servant leader. That means they don’t act like a boss. Instead, they support the team, help remove obstacles, and make sure everyone can do their best work. They focus on what the team needs — not what they want to control.

2. They Know Scrum Well (and Use It Wisely)

A good Scrum Master understands the rules of Scrum — like how to run stand-ups, sprint planning, and retrospectives. But they also know that Scrum is just a tool. They use it in a smart way that fits the team, rather than following the rules blindly.

3. They Help Meetings Run Smoothly

Instead of talking all the time or telling others what to do, a great Scrum Master facilitates meetings. That means they make sure everyone has a voice, the meetings stay focused, and the team gets the most out of each discussion.

4. They Protect the Team

Outside distractions can slow a team down — like last-minute tasks from managers or interruptions during sprints. A great Scrum Master keeps those distractions away so the team can stay focused and finish what they planned.

5. They Coach and Guide

The best Scrum Masters are also coaches. They help team members grow, teach Agile practices, support the Product Owner, and even help other departments understand how Scrum works. They make the whole organization better.

What Doesn’t Make a Great Scrum Master

1. Being a Micromanager

If a Scrum Master tries to control every detail or tells people how to do their jobs, it’s a problem. Scrum teams should organize their own work. A controlling Scrum Master slows the team down and lowers motivation.

2. Being a Rule Enforcer

Some Scrum Masters focus only on rules and processes. They act like “Scrum police.” This doesn’t help teams grow or improve. A great Scrum Master explains why Scrum practices matter and helps the team use them in a helpful way.

3. Using the Same Approach for Every Team

Every team is different. What works for one might not work for another. A great Scrum Master listens to the team and adjusts their style based on what the team needs. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work in Agile.

4. Ignoring Stakeholders

While focusing on the team is important, a Scrum Master also needs to work with others — like Product Owners, managers, and customers. A great Scrum Master builds good relationships outside the team to support communication and collaboration.

5. Not Growing or Learning

Agile is all about learning and improving. A Scrum Master who isn’t learning new things or reflecting on how to improve may fall behind. Great Scrum Masters read, take courses, talk to other Agile professionals, and keep growing.

In Conclusion

A great Scrum Master supports the team, understands Scrum, handles problems quietly, and helps the team and organization grow. They don’t control the team — they empower them. They don’t just follow rules — they guide the team with purpose.

A not-so-great Scrum Master might do too much, follow rules without thinking, or forget that people come first.

If you’ve worked with a great Scrum Master, you know how valuable they are. If not — now you know what to look for.