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While the terms ‘Project Manager’ and ‘Scrum Master’ are used interchangeably by newbies in the IT industry, the tasks performed by both are distinct from each other. The Project Manager is responsible for overseeing each stage involved in the project’s lifecycle, including budget and risks. On the other hand, a Scrum Master should ensure the actions of team members are in line with the Scrum principles.
Although the end goal of a Project Manager and Scrum Master is to make sure the project’s procedures are carried out within budget, time, and scope, their areas of focus, approaches, and tasks can differ completely.
Individuals who can understand these differences clearly can choose a career path according to their interests. It also helps organizations to delegate tasks properly. Before exploring the key differences between a Scrum Master and a Project Manager, we’ll explore their definition and the tasks performed by each one of them.
Definition of a Scrum Master
A Scrum Master has adequate knowledge of the Scrum project management framework, which in turn helps him to lead the team across Scrum-based events such as review and planning. Scrum Masters are also referred to as coaches – they train their team members in Scrum practices. The CSM certification is designed for individuals who are willing to get a deeper understanding of Scrum.
These professionals follow a servant leadership approach as they’re solely responsible for removing impediments, resolving conflicts, and improving the chances of their team member’s success. The major tasks performed by a Scrum Master are as follows:
- Organizing daily Scrum meetings
- Planning the sprint
- Monitoring the progress of each sprint
- Motivating the Scrum team members
- Prevent team members from getting distracted
Who is a Project Manager?
Project Managers are professionals responsible for leading a team of employees. Their main objective is to track the progress of a project from conception to delivery. They are in charge of the team members and are the main force that makes the project become a reality. They make sure the project is delivered on time and within budget.
Having a PMP certification displays the capacity of a Project Manager to plan, handle the meetings, oversee the money, put the risks to a minimum, and facilitate clear communication between the members of the team and the persons concerned. Important things handled by Project Managers are such as:
- Identifying and managing risks
- Laying down a proper communication plan
- Fixing the schedule and budget
- Clarifying the project goals and scope
- Ensuring the flow of communication with stakeholders is continuous
Difference Between Scrum Masters and Project Managers
Leadership
While soft skills play an important role for both Scrum Masters and Project managers, there’s a difference between their leadership styles. A Project Manager’s leadership approach is more strategic and directive. They’re responsible for decision-making and delegating tasks. Also, these professionals help team members understand the project goals and vision along with the tasks that should be carried out.
Whereas, the Scrum Master follows a servant leadership style. They advise the team members on how to apply Scrum principles. Scrum Masters motivate teams to work in a self-managed and self-organized way. These professionals help team members stay focused by protecting them from distractions.
Operation Methods
Project Managers must follow a waterfall/predictive approach. This requires them to manage the project life cycle (beginning – end) with the help of defined procedures. The skill sets possessed by Project Managers empower them to streamline procedures like planning, monitoring, controlling, execution, and initiation. Certified Project Management Professionals have sound knowledge of risk, procurement, communications, quality, time, scope, and cost.
Whereas, Scrum Masters follow an iterative and repeatable process, which enables organizations to embrace Agile principles and apply them across the organization and within Scrum teams. They are accountable for facilitating Scrum events like daily Scrum, retrospectives, sprint planning, and sprint reviews. The core competencies of a Scrum Master are coaching, mentoring, and guiding team members.
Responsibilities
Scrum Masters works as a mentor and coach to help team members understand what are Scrum practices. They’re responsible for ensuring the actions of the Scrum team members are aligned with the Scrum values like adaptability and transparency. The primary role of a Scrum Master is to help an organization adapt to changes and deliver high-quality product increments with the help of continuous improvement.
On the other hand, the main goal of a Project Manager is to make sure the project doesn’t exceed its scope, budget, and schedule. These professionals also play a pivotal role in retaining the project’s quality even while making changes. Most importantly, Project Managers keep a close eye on the project from beginning to end – the objective is to ensure the deliverables are of high quality.
Skills
Although some of the qualities of Scrum Masters and Project Managers are alike, the techniques and skills they use can be distinct from each other. For example, these professionals use effective communication, conflict handling, and interpersonal skills to facilitate meetings and promote collaboration. Some of the skills that set Project Managers and Scrum Masters apart are as follows:
Scrum Master
Create a positive and open working environment
Coaching teams and individuals
Use customized coaching and teaching methods to deliver Agile/Scrum concepts
Project Manager
- Applying problem-solving skills to find solutions
- Thinking critically for proper decision-making
- Applying analytical skills to detect risks and minimise them
- Communicating the team’s performance to top management
- Meeting the requirements of stakeholders and project team members
Conclusion
Although the final goal of a Scrum Master and Project Manager is to ensure the final project delivered is successful, their areas of focus are distinct. It’s important to understand these differences as it helps organizations to delegate responsibilities properly. Differentiating between the two professionals helps professionals to choose the best career path as per their interest and core competencies.