The scrum master focuses on the scrum processes and makes sure the team adheres to them.
A product owner (PO) focuses on managing the product backlog and making sure the team is working on the right priorities.
The Scrum Master makes sure the team is prepared to work effectively and efficiently, removing roadblocks and ensuring the appropriate tools and processes are in place.
The Product Owner makes sure that the team knows what they need to build, prioritizing the right tasks and keeping the backlog up to date.
While both roles are critical for scrum, it's important to understand their respective goals to so they can function at their highest levels.
A scrum team generally consists of a product owner, a development team, and a scrum master.
The Product Owner holds authority over the product backlog, prioritization decisions, and team deliveries.
The Scrum Master has no formal authority over a team, but they still hold a lot of responsibility for nurturing a productive, efficient, and happy team.
The Scrum Master and the Product Owner must work together to balance the demands of the team and the demands of the client.
Documentation is paramount to avoid communication breakdowns and interpersonal drama. Each member should have written information on their respective roles and responsibilities.