In 30 seconds
- A Scrum Master coaches the team to manage itself.
- A project manager plans, assigns and controls the work.
- Some organizations need both, for different purposes.
Pick a Scrum Master when…
- A team is adopting or improving Scrum
- The goal is a self-managing team
- Impediments and organizational habits are slowing delivery
Pick a project manager when…
- Work spans many teams, vendors or contracts
- Budgets, compliance and formal reporting dominate
- The work is predictable and plan-driven
Side by side
| Scrum Master | Project manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Team effectiveness | Scope, time, cost |
| Authority over work | None | Usually yes |
| Assigns tasks | No | Often |
| Success measure | Team improves and delivers value | Project delivered to plan |
Myth vs reality
Myth · A Scrum Master is a renamed project manager.
Reality · The role has no authority to assign work.
Myth · Agile teams never need project managers.
Reality · Large, multi-party programmes often still do.
Myth · A project manager can easily do both.
Reality · The mindsets conflict; switching takes deliberate effort.
FAQ
Can a project manager become a Scrum Master?
Yes, many do, by shifting from directing to coaching.
Where does project management go in Scrum?
Spread across the Product Owner, Developers and Scrum Master.
Which pays more?
It varies widely by market and seniority.