Please describe the role of a scrum master.
Many companies use agile methodologies to develop technology solutions and scrum is a popular method in use today. Interviewers ask this question to test a candidate's familiarity with the role of scrum master in the event the technical program manager will work directly with this integral role.
Remember to describe how you would partner with the scrum masters within your area of responsibility as a technical program manager. This would include serving as a coach to handle difficult situations and ensuring collaboration across the teams you are responsible for.
"A scrum master is responsible for the successful facilitation of sprint and project ceremonies. They ensure that a team properly leverages agile and scrum principles to improve the quality of the products their teams develop. They mentor the team through the scrum process and resolve conflicts that arise. Scrum masters are also responsible for removing roadblocks and shielding the team from distractions.
Scrum masters typically track team performance and generate artifacts such as burndown charts to use for planning and reflection purposes. They facilitate reflection meetings and ensure that team members are accountable for the improvement commitments they make.
As a technical program manager, I work closely with scrum masters. They are leaders at the team level, and we partner to ensure we are regularly tracking progress and following quality assurance standards. I assist with resolving difficult conflicts and ensure that collaboration occurs among the scrum masters within my portfolio of responsibility."
