The scrum master might sound like a referee on a rugby field but they actually fulfill a vital role in IT.
The job does take its name from rugby, however, being named after the formation used to restart the game after an infringement – such as headbutting an opponent’s privates.
As managers of how information is exchanged, scrum masters are seen as important components in the entire IT process.
Their salaries reflect this with one recent s1jobs scrum master vacancy at an Edinburgh-based bank offering a salary around the £55,000 mark.
So if not on the park at Murrayfield, where do we find scrum masters?
Most often they are to be found working in software development, for all kinds of companies in a variety of sectors.
Here they use the scrum system of management to keep their team’s productivity rates high and stress rates low.
Not exactly team leaders – as the concept of going head to head together removes the need for leaders – instead, scrum masters work to make sure that all of their team players work together well.
They also offer technical support for any issues that pop up.
On a daily basis this means an effective master holds ‘scrums’ or meetings to ensure their teams have all the resources they need, that they are communicating well and are shielded from interruptions.
They also keep the team focused, reduce distractions – such as too many meetings or Pokémon alerts! – and ensure every IT project meets its deadline.
If you see yourself in this commanding role, but don’t have years of experience in the field, worry not.
Although it does help, some scrum masters don’t come with extensive software development training.
Instead they make best use of specific personal talents – above all, you need to be friendly and outgoing, a good communicator and with great teamwork and leadership skills.
As software development demands huge concentration, you also need to be able to focus for long periods and encourage others to do the same.
Think of a yoga master contemplating a pebble – or Granny Ina staring at her bingo card – and you get the picture.
Now all that’s left to do to is join the scrum. Or as any rugby ref will tell you: “Crouch, bind . . . set!”