Agile teams are the backbone of modern project development. But the question remains: Can a developer also be an effective scrum master? Or the other way around: Can a scrum master also be a developer? Some team leads are concerned with these considerations. In this article, we try to answer the question and highlight three advantages and disadvantages of this dual role.
To give you a brief answer in advance: In the agile world, there are rarely clear "yes" or "no" answers. The dual role of Scrum Master and Scrum Developer can be successful if the person knows the challenges and consciously juggles the roles. The Scrum Guide itself does not give a direct answer to this question, and in this respect the possibility of a developer being a Scrum Master or a Scrum Master being a developer is not denied. At the same time, it should be clear that this does not correspond to the optimal state – more on this below.
Let's start by briefly defining the roles we are talking about here.
Can a developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
Scrum Developer vs. Scrum Master
Because roles are very important in Scrum. In this respect, the clarification of "Scrum Developer vs. Scrum Master" is important: the Scrum Master focuses on process optimization and removes obstacles for the development team. In contrast, the Scrum Developer focuses on the technical implementation of customer requirements.
Both roles complement each other and it is crucial to respect the boundaries between them in order to maintain balance in the agile team. So can a Scrum Developer also be a Scrum Master, or a Scrum Master Developer? Before we answer that, one more advantage of combining the two roles.
Can a developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
Advantage: Use Agile synergies
One example of the positive side of this combination lies in a software developer's deep understanding of the processes in an agile environment. A developer scrum master can better optimize development processes because he has internalized both the needs of the team and the agile principles. This understanding enables a seamless integration of Scrum practices and values into the development cycle.
The prerequisite for this is, of course, that this developer is also appropriately trained or has mastered the Scrum Guide and, at best, has already gained external coaching experience. In addition, this role would also need a lot of time to fulfill both roles – that will be difficult.
Can a developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
Disadvantage: Lack of objectivity
On the flip side, however, is the potential loss of objective perspective. A developer scrum master may not be able to maintain the necessary distance during code reviews to provide unbiased feedback. The dual function harbors the risk of overlooking important aspects that a neutral scrum master could better grasp.
The second disadvantage already mentioned, which may have an even greater impact: objectively speaking, there is not enough time in most agile software projects to effectively fulfill both roles, scrum master and software developer, in parallel. Some responsibilities will suffer in any case. And there are even more disadvantages.
Can a developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
Disadvantage: leaving your own bubble
Can a developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
One solution: digital coaching support
If you really have no other option than to fill the Scrum Master role with a "part-time" developer, then our tool Echometer will help you a lot – it was developed for this challenge, among others: "part-time" Scrum Masters become a professional team coach in a time-efficient way with our simple tool.
Echometer is a digital tool that helps agile team leads with agile retrospectives and team Health Checks. Whether remote, hybrid or on-site: it makes team coaching measurable and professionalizes your work while saving you a lot of work. Just take a look at our website to find out more: www.echometerapp.com.
"If you really have no other option than to convert a software developer to a part-time Scrum Master, at least try Echometer to maximize the probability of success."
Can a software developer be a Scrum Master | Scrum Developer
Conclusion - Developers as Scrum Masters
Can a Scrum Master be part of the development team? The dual role of "developer scrum master" opens up opportunities for synergies, but requires clear role definitions to avoid potential disadvantages. An agile scrum master with a developer background can bridge the gap between technology and teamwork, provided that they navigate skillfully between the two roles. And this is precisely what is likely to be very difficult in practice, so it tends to be discouraged. If there is no other way, then let tools like Echometer help you.
Finally, another quick hint: If you would like to know how it feels to develop your team with our tool: You can start an agile retrospective below without logging in, in this case the "Keep, Stop, Start" workshop.
Alternatively, simply forward our website to the responsible colleagues: www.echometerapp.com.
