Is or should be Project Manager the career goal for a Scrum Master?
Stelian ROMANProject Manager| MicroSafetyCarlingford, New South Wales, Australia
In the 'old days' members of the project team like developers, testers, business analysts had the aspiration to become project manager, although in many cases for financial benefits. Teh Scrum Master (in my opinion) is a (new) member of the project team. Should he/she look at the PM role as the obvious career progression? Saving Changes...
The Scrum Master is really a representative of the team -- a person who will go to battle for them more than simply manage them. It's a really interpersonal position. Saving Changes...
Anton OosthuizenSenior Business Analyst / Project Manager| Self EmployedPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
I don't think there is a yes or no to this. It would depend on the situation, the org structure and the implementation of the Scrum methodology. William is correct the scrum master does not manage resources, which obviously a PM does. Saving Changes...
Stelian ROMANProject Manager| MicroSafetyCarlingford, New South Wales, Australia
According to the Scrum Guide the SM is a managerial role. It doesn't manage resources as a line manager but it is responsible for the team's output.SM is not equivalent to a project coordinator.
I agree that the path is dependent on org structure but it should not be dependent on the implementation of the Scrum framework (Scrum is not a methodology). There is only one way to implement Scrum, any other way is not Scrum.
Technically nothing stops the SM to be also a resources manager. Many Development Managers, Lead Developers and even PMs are in parallel Scrum Masters. Saving Changes...
Like a PM, an SM has many potential subsequent roles. They could become a PO, a coach, a development lead, a PM or remain as an SM continuing to hone their servant-leadership and team development skill sets.
It comes down to aspiration, attitude and aptitude...
Kiron Saving Changes...
Varghese Easo TMProject Manager| The CooperatorsGuelph, Ontario, Canada
It all depends upon the organization structure. Technically SM and PM roles have few similarities but the difference is huge on how they play the role. Scrum Master is referred as a facilitator, who manages the teams that are implementing the Agile methodology. Project manager’s role is to manage the projects and ensure that the project meets the requirements. Both streams have totally different approach ultimately the end goal for both is delivering successful project. Saving Changes...
