What is the scrum master is what above all else?

The Scrum Master is a key role in the Scrum framework, who serves as a facilitator and coach to the team. The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the team follows the Scrum processes and principles, removes any impediments, and helps the team to continuously improve their processes.

The Scrum Master is not a project manager or team leader, but rather a servant-leader who ensures that the team has the support and resources they need to complete their work effectively. The Scrum Master also works closely with stakeholders and management to ensure that the team has the necessary resources and authority to deliver quality products on time.

Some key responsibilities of the Scrum Master include facilitating Scrum events such as Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Sprint Review, and Sprint Retrospective, managing the Scrum artifacts such as the product backlog and Sprint backlog, coaching the team on Scrum principles and practices, and helping to identify and address any issues or conflicts that may arise.

Overall, the Scrum Master plays a critical role in ensuring the success of the Scrum team and helping to maintain a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.