What is the difference between a Scrum Master and an Agile Coach?
A common question if you are an agile practitioner or new to agile and trying to understand the difference between the top two commonly used roles. Before we discuss in detail the 2 roles, let’s understand the difference between Scrum (What is Scrum) and agile (agile basics). Skip this if you are already familiar with Scrum and agile.
The next aspect is to understand the two roles in detail. Go through this – Who is a Scrum Master and Who is an agile coach.
Let’s deep dive now with these 2 roles –
| Parameter | Agile Coach | Scrum Master |
| Scope of work | This role is spread across various agile frameworks | Role is specific to team using Scrum Framework |
| Role Definition | Agile coaching is understanding the situation, the values underlying Agile software development, and how the two can combine. Source – Agile Coaching | As a servant leader, a scrum master serves the scrum team, product owner and the organization. |
| Role – Engagement | Works with multiple teams, various groups & executives | Works with few teams (not exceed 3) |
| Role – Duration | Engaged with a team for a limited period for a specific goal | Engaged with the team throughout |
| Role -Knowledge | Deep understanding of multiple Agile methodologies. | View Understanding of scrum guide is sufficient (scrum ceremonies, scrum events, scrum artifacts. |
Summarise –
Scrum Master works closely with the team/s throughout however agile coach is assigned for a certain period/ specific goal with the scrum team. An Agile Coach focus is to increase the performance threshold of the team. Post achievement of the goal, the agile coach moves out from the engagement. Both Scrum Master’s and Agile Coach’s role are different.