Product Owner vs Scrum Master
The Product Owner and Scrum Master work closely together, but they are accountable for very different outcomes. The Product Owner maximises product value by managing the Product Backlog and aligning stakeholders. The Scrum Master enables the team and the organisation to use Scrum well, by coaching, facilitating, and removing impediments.
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At a glance. Key differences
| Area | Product Owner | Scrum Master |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Value, outcomes, priorities | Flow, team effectiveness, Scrum adoption |
| Owns | Product Backlog content and ordering | Scrum practices, facilitation, impediment removal |
| Measures of success | Value delivered, stakeholder alignment, clear priorities | Predictable delivery, healthier ways of working, fewer blockers |
| Works most with | Stakeholders, users, leadership, the Developers | Developers, Product Owner, leaders, the wider organisation |
Responsibilities
Scrum Master responsibilities
- Coach the Scrum Team and the organisation on Scrum principles and effective practices.
- Facilitate Scrum events so they are purposeful and outcome-focused.
- Remove impediments and help the team improve flow and delivery.
- Support the Product Owner with techniques for Product Backlog management and transparency.
- Help stakeholders collaborate effectively with the Scrum Team.
Product Owner responsibilities
- Clarify product goals and desired outcomes, aligned to business value.
- Create, maintain, and order the Product Backlog so the team works on the most valuable items first.
- Engage stakeholders and users to refine priorities and validate direction.
- Ensure the backlog is transparent, understood, and ready for delivery.
- Review progress and adjust priorities based on learning and feedback.
Which course should you choose.
- Choose PSPO if you shape direction, decide priorities, or own outcomes for a product or service.
- Choose PSM if you facilitate delivery, coach teams, remove blockers, or lead Agile ways of working.
- Not sure. Many organisations train both roles together to improve alignment and delivery speed.
View PSPO Product Owner Course details
View PSM Scrum Master Course details
Product Owner and Scrum Master Reviews. Stories from our customers
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