The Future of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches
As a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, you may have concerns about the future of your career. With news of layoffs in the software development industry and the constant debate about the relevance of Agile and Scrum, it's natural to question the longevity of your role. However, there are several factors to consider before jumping to conclusions.
Types of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches
Before delving into the future, let's define the different types of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches. According to the digital.ai 16 State of Agile Report, there are three main types of Scrum Masters:
Variety Scrum Master: This type of Scrum Master is not solely dedicated to the role. The responsibilities are shared among the team members, including the Product Owner and developers.
Part-time Scrum Master: This Scrum Master is assigned to a team on a part-time basis, sometimes even juggling multiple teams. They may also have development responsibilities.
Full-time Scrum Master: This Scrum Master is fully assigned to a team and solely focuses on the Scrum Master role. They may also be assigned to multiple teams, dividing their time accordingly.
Additionally, there is the role of the Agile Coach, which is similar to a Scrum Master but with a wider range of responsibilities. An Agile Coach works with all agile frameworks and practices throughout the organization.
Is Agile and Scrum Still Relevant?
Many people on Twitter and other platforms have been claiming that Agile and Scrum are no longer trendy or useful. However, a simple Google Trends search tells a different story.
Both "Agile" and "Scrum" have been steadily rising in popularity. In contrast, terms like "PMI" and "Lean Six Sigma" have been declining. This indicates that Agile and Scrum are far from irrelevant and are still in demand.
Moreover, a quick search on LinkedIn reveals a significant number of job openings for Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches. Currently, there are over 90,000 openings for Scrum Masters and numerous opportunities for Agile Coaches.
The Transferability of Skills
Even if the landscape of software development changes and agile and Scrum fade away, it's important to remember that you are not your role. As a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, you possess a wide range of skills and knowledge that can be transferred to other roles.
In the past, I found myself in a similar situation when my role as a delivery manager became obsolete due to a transition to agile methodologies. However, my skills and knowledge were not wasted. They were transferred to the role of a Scrum Master, which was in high demand at the time.
Similarly, if agile and Scrum were to fade away, the skills you have developed as a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach can be applied to other areas. The world is becoming more complex, and the need for leadership and coaching skills is increasing.
The Need for Servant Leaders
Traditional management styles that focus on command and control are still prevalent in many organizations. However, there is a growing trend towards servant leadership and empowerment.
As a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach, your role is to train and empower teams to become self-managed and self-organized. Your soft skills, such as influence, persuasion, empowerment, coaching, mentoring, and teaching, are invaluable in the current landscape.
While it's true that the future role of a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach may evolve, the skills, knowledge, and experience you possess will always be in demand. The world needs a new type of leader – someone who can empower others, think critically, and focus on growth.
Embracing Irrelevance as a Goal
The ultimate goal of a Scrum Master or an Agile Coach is to become irrelevant to the teams they work with. By coaching, mentoring, and teaching team members, the aim is to foster a mindset of self-sufficiency and empowerment. When teams no longer rely on your guidance and can think for themselves, you have achieved success.
However, it's important to note that achieving irrelevance doesn't mean your skills and knowledge become obsolete. Rather, it signifies that you have successfully empowered the team to work independently. The need for your expertise may shift, but your value will remain intact.
Conclusion
The future of Scrum Masters and Agile Coaches may seem uncertain at times, especially with discussions about the relevance of Agile and Scrum. However, the increasing popularity of Agile and Scrum, along with the demand for servant leadership, suggests that your skills and knowledge will always be valuable.
As the world becomes more complex, the need for leaders who can empower, coach, and mentor others will only grow. Embrace the challenge of the evolving landscape, and continue to develop your skills to stay ahead in the industry.
If you're interested in learning more about personal growth in the agile world, check out our blogs every Tuesday and Friday.
