This is episode 3 of a series of episodes dedicated to the content, and the steps of the Scrum Master Journey, a program hosted by our guest: Marc Löffler.
In the previous episode, we shared tips on how to help teams self-organize and how to work with, and change the culture in organizations.
In this episode, we talk about the transformation we need to go through as Scrum Masters after obtaining the basic training. How the training we have is necessary, but not sufficient to face the challenges that we need to face in our roles. We start this episode talking about the need to reflect on our own journey, and Marc shares with us a guide to self-reflection which you can download here.
Scrum Master training is necessary, but not sufficient to deal with the challenges Scrum Masters must face
— Scrum Master Journey, Marc Löffler
The most important part of your success as a Scrum Masters
“The most important component of your success as a Scrum Master is the success of the people in the teams you work with.” Setting up teams for success is a critical skill that Scrum Masters must learn to develop, and one of the topics that Marc discusses in the Scrum Master Journey.
However, as Marc warns, we are not ready to help teams develop, if we are not ready to develop ourselves first. In the Scrum Master Journey, one of the modules is dedicated to the personal transformation we must go through as Scrum Masters: who are you as a Scrum Master? It is not enough to accept the role, and the responsibility that comes with it, we also need to accept that, as part of the work, we need to develop ourselves and our skills.
Scrum Masters must develop themselves, before they are ready to help their teams develop
— Scrum Master Journey, Marc Löffler
The value of community in our journey
As Scrum Masters start to apply their acquired skills, they will face many different situations, and types of personalities in their teams. It’s not fair to expect that we are ready from the start to face, and thrive in all of these situations. With Marc, we discuss to establish a support community around us that we can reach out to and get support, coaching and even help at work.
Marc explains how the Scrum Master Journey helps us create community, by organizing meetups with all the participants, that can then help each other with the different situations and challenges they face at work.
Part of the Scrum Master Journey Program, is to participate actively in a community of peers, and learn from their experiences as you share yours
— Scrum Master Journey, Marc Löffler
Focusing on strengths, a PASSION model lesson from Marc’s work
Marc’s been working with teams for many years, and he developed a model for great teams, which he calls the PASSION model. This model helps him to walk teams through a learning journey that will eventually lead to a high-performance state, and helps Scrum Masters know how to do the same.
In this segment, we discuss how the Scrum Master Journey, and the PASSION model can help Scrum Masters map-out the different options they have when working with teams.
“Marc is providing a safe driving program for the certified Scrum Master. In this program, we cover topics that every Scrum Master and Agile Coach should know about. As a member of the Scrum Master Journey, I can learn about the concepts via video or old-school by printing out the booklets with all the exercises.”
Joachim Klühspies, Agile Coach, Intelligence AG
Marc delivers valuable ideas and practical approaches. With his impulses, he gets me thinking – with passion. I enjoyed attending some of his live webinars and bought more of his courses. Marc places humans in the center of his work. His PASSION model delivers a clear structure on creating an environment for agile teams focusing on individuals. […] Already, the first module was like a valuable mirror to learn more about myself and my perspective as a Scrum Master. I can warmly recommend the Scrum Master Journey.
Steffen Schäffner, Scrum Master, Qognify GmbH
Get the Scrum Master Journey’s guide to self-reflection, and learn more about the program here.
About Marc Löffler
Marc’s a super active member of the Agile community. In his spare time from consulting, speaking and training he’s found the time to start a blog, a podcast and write two books!
Marc is also the host of the Scrum Master journey!
You can link with Marc Löffler on LinkedIn and connect with Marc Löffler on Twitter.
