Agile Mentors Podcast from Mountain Goat Software

#160: The Real Work of a Scrum Master with Brian Campbell

Oct 1, 2025
Brian Campbell, a seasoned Senior Scrum Master with over 13 years in enterprise coaching, shares invaluable insights on the nuanced role of Scrum Masters. He discusses the balance between empathy and assertiveness, detailing when to support product owners without overstepping and the importance of staying flexible in diverse team dynamics. Campbell also addresses handling conflicts during high-pressure situations and recognizing when it's time to move on from unproductive environments. His practical advice is a must for anyone navigating the challenges of Scrum.
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INSIGHT

Practice Flexible, Incremental Change

  • Scrum Masters should be flexible: adapt ceremonies, PO support, and change pace to each team's context.
  • Start with observation and suggest small, incremental improvements rather than radical overhaul.
ADVICE

Match PO Support To Their Experience

  • Work with product owners at their level and tailor your involvement to their experience.
  • Provide guardrails for new POs and step back with experienced POs to avoid over-helping.
ADVICE

Make The Daily Scrum Efficient

  • Be pragmatic with the Daily Scrum: let teams choose person-by-person or issue-by-issue formats when effective.
  • Focus on keeping the meeting efficient and valuable, not ceremonially correct.
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