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If you're interested in being part of the Agile community, you should switch from being a Project Manager to a Scrum Master as part of that effort. Because you are now filling the function of Project Manager, there is no doubt that you are familiar with the responsibilities that come along with it. Your job includes planning, monitoring, and controlling a project and bringing it to a successful conclusion. You are also obliged to be responsible and use the procedures and tools for Project Management.

Having said that, once you have decided to become a Scrum Master, it is time to say goodbye to most of these items. You will need more than just your understanding of Project Management to succeed, even though it may still be helpful to you in some situations.

1. Acquire Knowledge on How to Employ the Scrum Framework

This relates very closely to the first point. The Scrum methodology will likely be used for the majority, if not the whole, of the work you do as the Scrum Master. Therefore, you should prioritize understanding how to utilize this to examine and ensure that the team can achieve the product requirements.

As they gain new knowledge, you will see that your team will begin to prioritize opportunities and adjust how they do business. Again, you can assist your team in recognizing and capitalizing on these opportunities if you know the Scrum framework.

In addition, while you are still getting acclimated to the Scrum network, you must approach the task with the appropriate mindset. Given that every team is unique, you must make sure you have a clear understanding of your team's expectations and the position you play on the team.

2. Gain Experience in Serving as a Leader

Unlike Project Managers, Scrum Masters are servant leaders. The fact that you are expected to lead while also serving others concurrently makes this function far more involved than Project Management. You are not excluded from the team because you are a member. 

Therefore, you need to acquire the skills necessary to lead with authority and competence and the awareness to recognize when it is appropriate to stand aside and allow others to assume the mantle of leadership based on the experience, duties, and authority that they possess. Even if you have responsibilities, you need a teachable attitude and be open to new information.

However, serving as a servant leader does not give you carte blanche to do anything you want. It is a leadership style in which the team members are prioritized above the needs of upper management. Instead of giving commands and expecting your staff to carry them out, you will be expected to assist them throughout the process.

3. Understanding of How Things Operate

To be an influential Scrum Master, you need to know more than what is immediately apparent. Instead, it would be best to comprehend how things function and be an expert in all that pertains to the Scrum. In light of this, the goal should be to discover how and why Scrum works, why every aspect of scrum offers value, the challenges that these aspects answer, and why every portion of Scrum operates the way it does.

Also, make it a goal to learn why certain Scrum pieces function more successfully when adequately completed. Once you have the answers to these questions, you will be on your way to finally make the move.

4. Master the art of taking initiative

Scrum Masters, who perform duties similar to Project Managers, must call attention to problems and pose concerns. In Agile, there is a greater emphasis placed on asking questions. Nevertheless, the most important thing is knowing how to ask the proper questions, which should be outcome-focused.

Additionally, considering you will deal directly with the team, you need to be proactive. You are expected to be able to anticipate potential slip-ups and evaluate whether or not the team will be able to benefit from them by gaining new knowledge or if they will result in the team's demise. Being proactive also requires you to alert others of potential dangers as soon as you become aware of them and encourage other team members to investigate different routes.

Final Word

There's more to it than meets the eye when it comes to becoming a Scrum Master. Therefore, before making a shift in your job, you must first understand what it is. We hope this post has provided you with all the information you need for your next professional endeavour.