Introduction
Scrum Master must understand that their role requires multiple stances, depending on the situation and context. In this series, I will explore 8 different stances that are essential for a Scrum Master.
The first, and perhaps the most fundamental, is the Scrum Master as a servant-leader. Servant leadership aligns perfectly with the Scrum values of courage, openness, respect, focus, and commitment. It is the backbone of the Scrum Master role.
What is Servant Leadership?
Servant leadership is both a philosophy and a practice that fosters collaboration, trust, and ethical use of power.
A servant-leader does not lead through hierarchy or titles but through influence, support, and guidance. This leadership style helps individuals grow, perform, and take ownership, ultimately leading to high-performing teams.
Key Principles of Servant Leadership:
- Serving others, not oneself
- Leading by example, not by title
- Fostering long-term leadership
- Empowering individuals to reach their full potential
- Encouraging team ownership and accountability
- Promoting collaboration and shared success
What Defines a Servant-Leader?
The concept of servant leadership was introduced by Robert K. Greenleaf, who described it as follows:
“The servant-leader is servant first. It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. The best test is: do those served grow as persons? Do they become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, and more likely to become servants themselves?”
A servant-leader is someone who empowers and supports others, rather than simply directing them. They create an inclusive, participatory environment, ensuring that individuals feel heard, valued, and motivated.
Traits of a Servant-Leader:
- Builds trust within the team
- Encourages transparency and empowerment
- Promotes collaboration and active engagement
- Removes obstacles and fosters a culture of continuous improvement
- Listens actively and demonstrates empathy
- Shows humility, positivity, and adaptability
Servant Leadership in Agile and Scrum
Servant leadership is deeply embedded in Agile principles. The Agile Manifesto highlights the importance of individuals, interactions, and collaboration, which are all cornerstones of servant leadership.
Agile Manifesto Principles that Reflect Servant Leadership:
📌 “Build projects around motivated individuals. Give them the environment and support they need, and trust them to get the job done.”
📌 “Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project.”
Scrum Masters embody servant leadership by supporting teams, enabling collaboration, and creating an environment where self-organization can thrive.
The Scrum Master as a Servant-Leader
The Scrum Guide describes the Scrum Master as a servant-leader for the Scrum Team. They are not the “boss” but a facilitator, mentor, and enabler who helps the team reach its highest potential.
A Scrum Master as a Servant-Leader:
- Facilitates Scrum as a servant process, not a controlling mechanis
- Guides the Development Team toward self-organization
- Leads teams through healthy conflict and constructive discussions
- Teaches, coaches, and mentors both the team and the organization
- Shields the team from distractions and external disruptions
- Helps identify, remove, and prevent impediments
- Encourages transparency through visible communication (e.g., Sprint Backlog, Daily Scrum, Reviews)
- Fosters a collaborative, supportive culture
A great Scrum Master does not dictate solutions but empowers the team to find them. Their role is to guide, support, and create an environment where teams can thrive.
Conclusion
Servant leadership is the heart of the Scrum Master role. By focusing on trust, collaboration, and empowerment, a Scrum Master helps teams unlock their full potential.
This blog post is just the beginning of our exploration of Scrum Master stances. As I continue this series, I will dive deeper into the other essential roles a Scrum Master plays.
