Scrumissa

Scrumissa is a term used in some agile communities to describe a practitioner who takes on a facilitative, servant-leader role within Scrum-inspired teams, typically aligning with the functions associated with a Scrum Master. It is not an official role defined in the Scrum Guide, and its use varies across organizations and regions.

Etymology and usage vary. The name combines Scrum with a feminine suffix, and in places where it is used, it can signal an emphasis on inclusive or gender-conscious language. In practice, some teams employ Scrumissa as a synonym for Scrum Master, while others distinguish it as a culturally specific label or a personal preference for describing leadership style within Scrum.

Role and responsibilities. A Scrumissa generally facilitates Scrum ceremonies (such as sprint planning, daily standups, reviews, and retrospectives), helps the team identify and remove impediments, and protects the team from external distractions. The role emphasizes servant leadership, coaching in Scrum practices, building psychological safety, and supporting continuous improvement. In multi-team or scaled environments, a Scrumissa may collaborate with Product Owners and other Scrum Masters to coordinate work and align on shared goals.

Adoption and reception. The term appears mainly in informal discussions and in organizations experimenting with language that reflects gender or cultural values. Critics note that introducing an informal term can create confusion with the official Scrum roles and may detract from shared understanding of Scrum practices. The Scrum Guide remains the reference point for official roles and responsibilities.

See also: Scrum, Scrum Master, Agile software development.