Other companies have now also introduced this role, but not all have exactly the same definition of it. With this in mind, here are some examples of the differences between the two roles to get a better feel for their focus.

1. Focus and frame:

   • Scrum Masters: The Scrum Master is specifically responsible for the Scrum framework. He supports the Scrum team in understanding and effectively applying the Scrum principles and practices. The Scrum Master focuses mainly on removing impediments, increasing productivity and ensuring that the team adheres to the Scrum rules.
   • Agile Delivery Lead: The Agile Delivery Lead has a broader focus and may include different agile approaches and frameworks, not just Scrum. The role is therefore often less limited to enforcing certain agile practices. In some cases (as with Capital One), it is also particularly about coaching team members technically.

2. Responsibilities:

   • Scrum Masters: The Scrum Master is primarily responsible for ensuring that the Scrum team is able to work effectively. This includes removing obstacles, supporting the self-organization of the team and promoting continuous improvement.
   • Agile Delivery Lead: The Agile Delivery Lead is more focused on overseeing the entire delivery process and ensuring that products or projects are completed successfully and efficiently. This may include working with other teams, stakeholders and managing resources.

3. Scaling:

   • Scrum Masters: In Scrum, the focus is usually on a single team or, at best, a maximum of two teams. A Scrum Master supports two teams in using Scrum effectively.
   • Agile Delivery Lead: This role may work at the multi-team level or even at the organizational level to ensure agile principles are successfully applied across the organization.

4. Skills and experience:

   • Scrum Masters: The focus is often on coaching, facilitation and conflict resolution within the team. A good Scrum Master should have a deep understanding of Scrum and be able to support the team on the path to self-organization.
   • Agile Delivery Lead: In addition to the skills of a Scrum Master, a Agile Delivery Manager often needs a broader range of skills. These include project management, leadership, communication at different levels of the organization, and the ability to implement agile principles at a strategic level.

Yes, it is of course also possible for one person to have both the role of a Scrum Master and that of a Agile Delivery Manager at the same time. This may be the case, especially in smaller teams or organizations with limited resources.

As I said, the title is initially fictitious, so both roles can be identical in practice.

Basically, there are some considerations and aspects that should be taken into account if you want to take on both responsibilities:

1. Time and focus:

   • Both roles require a considerable amount of time and specific skills. It is important to ensure that the dual role does not lead to an overload and that sufficient time is available for the respective responsibilities of both positions.

2. Clarity in the tasks:

   • It is important to clearly define which tasks and responsibilities are assigned to each role. This helps to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the requirements of both positions are met.

3. Manage conflicts:

   • Conflicts may arise, especially if the requirements of the two roles conflict. The ability to recognize and appropriately manage conflict is critical to ensure that both aspects of the job can be done effectively. For example, what if as a Agile Delivery Manager you tend to make top down decisions? Then the whole idea is doomed to failure because this is not compatible with the servant leadership aspirations of a Scrum Master.

4. Communication:

   • Clear communication is essential. This applies both to communication with the team and to communication with other stakeholders and departments. Transparent communication helps to clarify expectations and promote understanding of the dual role.

5. Training and development:

   • The person holding both roles should continuously train and develop to keep up with both the latest developments in the Scrum framework and general agile practices.

While it is perfectly possible to combine both roles, it is important to ensure that this is done carefully and consciously to ensure effectiveness in both areas. It can also be helpful to seek regular feedback from team members and other stakeholders to ensure that both aspects of the dual role are being successfully fulfilled.