Odysseus: A Hero, a King, a Scrum Master!

Odysseus (also known as Ulysses in some barbaric languages 😊) is a legendary hero and the king of Ithaca, in Greek mythology. Renowned for his intelligence, cunning and leadership, Odysseus possesses qualities that align with the role of a talented Scrum Master.

Let us explore together the parallels between Odysseus’ attributes and the responsibilities of a Scrum Master.

1. Clear Vision: Odysseus demonstrated exceptional qualities throughout his journey. After the Trojan War, his vision was clear: to return home to Ithaca. He displayed strategic thinking and determination in navigating the challenges and obstacles along the way, despite the long and treacherous journey. Similarly, a Scrum Master provides guidance to the team, sets the direction and helps the team achieve their goals. The Scrum Master inspires and motivates the team members, keeping their focus aligned with the project’s vision and objectives.
2. Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Odysseus was known for his adaptability and resourcefulness in overcoming various challenges. During his travels, he encountered mythical creatures, faced divine interventions and navigated treacherous waters. Odysseus showcased his ability to adapt his plans, devise creative strategies, and use every available resource to reach his target. In the world of Scrum, adaptability and resourcefulness are crucial qualities for a Scrum Master. The Scrum Masted needs to guide the team through changing requirements, unforeseen obstacles, adjusting and finding innovative solutions to keep the sprint on track.
3. Problem-solving and Decision-making: Odysseus possessed exceptional problem-solving skills and was known for making crucial decisions. He analyzed situations, gathered information, and devised effective plans to overcome obstacles and showcased his ability to solve complex problems and make difficult decisions. Similarly, a talented Scrum Master facilitates problem-solving within the team, helps resolve conflicts and guides the decision-making process. The Scrum Master enables the team to identify and address challenges and supports them in finding optimal solutions that align with the sprint’s goals.
4. Communication and Influence: Odysseus was an eloquent speaker, capable of inspiring and influencing others. He used his communication skills to rally his men, negotiate with gods and mythical beings and gain allies. His ability to communicate effectively helped him navigate various encounters and forge alliances. A skilled Scrum Master also excels in communication and fosters effective collaboration, facilitates discussions and ensures that information flows smoothly among team members. The Scrum Master influences stakeholders, builds relationships and ensures that everyone understands the sprint’s goals and progress.
5. Team Building and Empowerment: Odysseus valued his crew and understood the importance of teamwork. He built strong relationships with his men, empowering them and leveraging their individual strengths to achieve collective success. Odysseus recognized the significance of trust, fellowship and collaboration within the team. Similarly, a talented Scrum Master focuses on team building, encourages self-organization, and empowers team members to take ownership of their work. The Scrum Master creates an environment where trust thrives, promotes open communication and supports the team in leveraging their individual skills to deliver high-quality results.

While Odysseus’ exploits and journey in Homer’s Odyssey predate the Scrum framework by millennia, his qualities as a visionary, problem solver and communicator resonate with some of the core principles of an effective Scrum Master.

It is important to note that the role of a Scrum Master encompasses specific responsibilities within the Scrum framework that go beyond the context of Odysseus’ mythical adventures. Nevertheless, Odysseus’ story serves as a timeless example of vision, adaptability, and perseverance — traits that can inspire and inform the practice of a Scrum Master today.