The ScrumMaster role is one of those that is simple and complex at the same time. I often speak in terms of doing agile and being agile, and the ScrumMaster role strongly influences their teams in both of those dimensions. Of course, the latter being much more difficult to manage and get right.
The good news in this space is that there are a few really solid books that explore this important role within Scrum.
Zuzi Sochova – The Great ScrumMaster
Zuzi is one of our most experienced Scrum trainers. She’s also very pragmatic and down-to-earth in her coaching and training. I think this is the most “approachable” book in this list as it focuses on the basics of the role. So, I would recommend reading it first and navigating this list in order.
Geoff Watts – Scrum Mastery
I reference this book a lot in my classes because it really focuses on the “being agile” parts of the ScrumMaster role. I consider it an advanced text, similar to Zuzi’s, on what it takes to be a great ScrumMaster.
Lyssa Adkins – Coaching Agile Teams
In this trifecta of books exploring the role of the ScrumMaster, I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend something focused on team coaching. Well, there are a few books in this category, but the seminal work still belongs to Lyssa Adkins. This book is a must-read for ScrumMasters and aspiring agile coaches alike.
And if you’re a ScrumMaster, you ARE and agile coach.
Wrapping Up
The ScrumMaster role, even after 20 years, is still one of the most misunderstood roles within agile teams. Reading this set of books will not only help you better understand the role but help you to communicate the nuance of the role to others.
I’d encourage you to search my blog for other articles on the role of ScrumMaster. There are quite a few from a wide variety of perspectives. Once you’ve finished these books, I think that would be a good next step.
In the next installment of this series, we’ll be exploring the role of Product Owner. Hope to see you then.
Stay agile my friends,
Bob.