Scrum Masters and Product Owners are held accountable for results. But here’s the contradiction—how can you be accountable for something you have no control over?
Too often, Scrum Masters are expected to ensure team effectiveness without the authority to remove impediments, challenge dysfunction, or enforce alignment. Influence is important, but it’s not enough. Leadership without control is just a suggestion.
If the Product Owner’s authority to prioritise and maximise value is accepted, why do we hesitate to acknowledge the Scrum Master’s authority to uphold agility and effectiveness?
Accountability without authority is an empty expectation. If we want better outcomes, we need to empower those responsible for delivering them.
Are Scrum Masters in your organisation truly empowered or just expected to “coach” from the sidelines?
If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.
Genus Breeding Ltd
Alignment Healthcare
Trayport
MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd.
Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)
Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd
Microsoft
Emerson Process Management
New Signature
Ericson
Boxit Document Solutions
SuperControl
Slicedbread
Brandes Investment Partners L.P.
Akaditi
Philips
NIT A/S
Milliman
Washington Department of Transport
Ghana Police Service
Department of Work and Pensions (UK)
Nottingham County Council
Washington Department of Enterprise Services
New Hampshire Supreme Court
Bistech
Akaditi
Alignment Healthcare
Jack Links
Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)
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