Why do Project Managers Make Such Great ScrumMasters?

Why do Project Managers Make Such Great ScrumMasters?

You don’t have to be a project manager to become a ScrumMaster. That said, project managers often have the characteristics and skills needed to make great ScrumMasters.

1. Communication skills – Both project managers and ScrumMasters need to be able to communicate effectively with and navigate between all stakeholders in their organization, including customers, management, team members, and more.
2. Leadership skills – Leadership is an important skill in both roles. Project managers and ScrumMasters need to be able to inspire, motivate, coach, and support teams to help them focus on solving problems and doing what they are good at. 
3. Organizational skills – Both project managers and ScrumMasters need to be well-organized, know how to manage timelines and deadlines efficiently, and have the ability to be both detail-oriented and see the bigger picture.
4. Problem-solving skills – Project managers are usually good at solving problems and giving others the tools they need to solve problems as well. This is also an essential skill for ScrumMasters.
5. Facilitation skills –  Project managers and ScrumMasters should be able to bring people together and then give them the space to navigate and solve challenges as a team.

To summarize, if you are a project manager with the above skills and your passion and experience leans towards building healthy and productive teams, then you should definitely consider becoming a certified ScrumMaster (CSM) as part of your career development. This will enable you to use your skills and experience in a more impactful and structured way.