Why Your Most Experienced Developers May Not Be the Best Scrum Master for Your Hackathon
Tags: hackathon, productivity, communication, agile
Published: 2023-03-23 09:41:12

Are you ready to join a hackathon and assemble a team or have been assigned to one? The next step, and one of the most crucial decisions you need to make is choosing the Scrum Master. 

Hackathons are fast-paced events where teams collaborate to find creative solutions to problems within a short amount of time. To ensure effective collaboration and keep the team on track, a Scrum Master is essential. However, the most experienced developers on the team may not always be the best fit for the role. 

Before delving into the reasons why, it's important to understand what makes a successful Scrum Master. 

They should have a range of skills and values, including effective communication, collaboration, prioritization of objectives, and a deep understanding of Agile methodologies. A successful Scrum Master should also lead by example, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement, and put the team's needs first by empowering them to achieve their goals.

**Here are a few reasons why the most experienced developers in your team may not be an ideal choice for Scrum Master in a hackathon:**

**Split attention:** The more experienced developers may need to focus on their technical tasks, leaving less attention for Scrum Master responsibilities. 

**Potential bias:** They may have a preference for certain technical approaches or solutions, limiting the team's creativity and exploration of different ideas. 

**Communication challenges:** Effective communication is crucial in the Scrum Master role. Even the most experienced developers may face challenges when communicating with team members who have different perspectives or less experience. 

**Limiting the experienced developer's focus:** If the most experienced developer is also the Scrum Master, he or she may not have enough time to focus on their critical technical tasks.

**Creativity limitations:** The strongest developers may have their own ideas and solutions for the project, but may not have enough time to fully explore them if they are also serving as the Scrum Master and thereby potentially limiting the team's creativity.

**Potential conflict of interest:** Without meaning to, your teams' more experienced developers may prioritize technical excellence over the creative process. While technical excellence is important, it's essential to strike a balance and ensure that the team can explore new and innovative solutions.

When choosing a Scrum Master for a hackathon, consider their experience in Agile environments, communication skills, leadership qualities, technical knowledge, flexibility, unbiased perspective, and time availability. By selecting the right person for the role, the team can work together more effectively and achieve their goals within the limited timeframe of the hackathon. 

Ultimately, while the most experienced developer may have the technical skills and knowledge to be an effective Scrum Master, it's important to choose someone who can fully dedicate their attention to the role. This can maximize the team's productivity and creativity, and increase their chances of winning the hackathon event.

Related Post: [6 Tips for Being an Effective Member of a Winning Hackathon Team](https://dev.to/joyzadan/6-tips-for-being-an-effective-member-of-a-winning-hackathon-team-e6h)