Patricia talks about her tasks in project management

Patricia, Scrum Master and Project Manager - that sounds like a lot of work...

Patricia (laughs): Who doesn't have that? But yes, it is indeed the case that as a project manager and Scrum Master, you need strong nerves, because you are responsible for the successful execution of projects. My role is to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and above all with high quality.

And what does that look like exactly?

Patricia: As a project manager, I coordinate different project phases, plan resources, set goals, and monitor progress. I am, so to speak, the captain of the project, ensuring that all team members stay on course.

As a Scrum Master, I have an additional role in agile projects. Scrum is a popular project management method in which the team works in short, iterative sprints. I help the team work effectively according to the Scrum principles, remove obstacles, and continuously improve the work process.

That's still a bit theoretical. Can we make it a little clearer?

Patricia: Of course: Let's look at the whole thing from a different perspective. Imagine a project is like an exciting journey with many milestones. As a project manager, I am somewhat like the tour guide, ensuring everything runs smoothly and we reach our destination safely. I plan the route, distribute the tickets (i.e., the resources), and always keep an eye on the schedule.

As a Scrum Master, I'm more like the cool tour guide, making sure we enjoy the journey in small steps. We take short detours, continuously improve, and remove obstacles to have the best possible travel experiences.

Sounds challenging. What qualities do you think one needs to possess to be a successful Scrum Master and excel in project management?

Patricia: Well, quite a few things come together: It requires communication skills, the ability to work in a team, organizational talent, and good time management. You need to be able to convey information effectively, motivate teams, and keep all project stakeholders up to date. Flexibility and adaptability are also important. Something always comes up differently than expected, and then you can't break down in tears, but you have to be able to quickly develop a Plan B. That's why a certain problem-solving ability, a good dose of calmness, and especially humor are definitely advantageous (laughs).