In today's time, most organizations have adopted the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), a practical scaling framework for harmonizing company objectives. It is one of the most famous Agile frameworks for larger organizations. While a Scrum Master holds a valuable position in any organization by leading a whole team, a Release Train Engineer (RTE) has a significant and developing position in this architecture as they are the Scrum Masters of Scrum Masters, or the Chief Scrum Master who leads Agile Release Trains (ARTs), all the teams working on the project.

Now let's dig deep into it. If you put Release Train Engineer vs. Scrum Master, will we find any significant differences? Let's find out.

Scrum Master

A Scrum Master is a great facilitator for a Scrum team. They understand the development process well, which allows a team to self-organize and make changes faster. A Scrum Master is accountable for handling the information-sharing process. They ensure that the team follows Agile values and principles. They are the protectors of the team, clearing obstacles and protecting the unit from different interruptions and distractions that affect the ultimate goal.

Release Train Engineer (RTE)

A Release Train Engineer (RTE) is a Charge of Train Release Engineer. They are the full-time Chief Scrum Masters for a "train" in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). They promote system procedures and execution, assign barriers, monitor risks, and help drive constant growth. They are the masters of lean and agile scale. Therefore, they ensure that the Agile Release Trains (ARTs) minutely follow the SAFe practices and processes and work together to achieve the ultimate goal.

Differentiating Between RTE vs. Scrum Master 

In the entire discussion about Release Train Engineer vs. Scrum Master, we must add that the Release Train Engineer is quite similar to a Scrum Master in the conventional sense. In reality, the Scrum of Scrums in SAFe is led by a Chief Scrum Master. A Scrum Master will be assigned to each Agile team in the Agile Release Train (ART). The Scrum Master of Scrum Masters or the Release Train Engineer heads these Scrum Masters. The Release Train Engineer provides feedback to the Product Owner during retrospective meetings. The RTE often reports to the Agile Program Management Office, part of the Lean Portfolio Management in SAFe (LPM).

These duties are similar to those of a typical manager. So, what makes the Release Train Engineer unique? What are the difficulties in becoming one in SAFe? 

Here's a table that provides a clear explanation of the differences between a Release Train Engineer and a Scrum Master.

Let's dip our toes into the RTE vs. Scrum Master discussion

Without question, trust is at the heart of SAFe's success, as SAFe is built on the foundation of trust. Strong connections between teams, their leaders, and stakeholders are built on belief and confidence. It encourages individuals to be more open and transparent.

It's hard to believe, but trusting can be challenging for some managers as it may appear to be a difficult test for them.

It also necessitates a period of adjustment to the servant-leadership paradigm. Now, about Release Train Engineer vs. Scrum Master, the following is a list of the steps that take you on a trip to make you understand the roles of the traditional managers to the servant leaders (both RTE and Scrum Masters), as defined by Robert Greenleaf in 1970:

From "solving issues" to "assisting teams in mending themselves," teams are empowered by the flexibility and authority to make informed individual decisions. It is vital to have a Lean-Agile mindset. This involves understanding the Lean House and the Agile Manifesto.

To successfully achieve the PI objectives, one must clearly state the vision, from deadlines to goals. It is necessary to define the PI's goals explicitly. An iteration lasts two weeks, and any purposes not met within that time are carried over to the following iteration. As a result, the Program Increment's single deadline has been set. For the iterations, no.

Everything comes under the discussion of RTE vs. Scrum Master, from "trying to direct" to allowing "teams to self-organize" and find their footing. Understanding and respecting the efforts of the team, as well as directing them, also come under this.

From achieving "particular goals" to focusing on "the overall success of the program," The Agile Release Train relies on the collaboration and synergy of numerous Agile Teams to achieve the Program Increment's goals.

We've come a long way from "knowing the solution" to "asking the teams" for answers. Instead of enforcing what the manager believes is correct, respecting and listening to the individual's perspective is vital.

When The ART Gets Included In A Solution Train

Where a solution necessitates the collaboration of several Agile Release Trains as a solution train, in the discussion of a Release Train Engineer vs. Scrum Master, the RTE's duties include:

Participate in the solution's development, teach the engineer, and other RTEs to implement the same solution.

Attend solution training sessions such as Pre and Post PI Planning meetings.

Here's What An RTE Does Not Do

Now that we have understood RTE vs. Scrum Master responsibilities, the following are some actions that the RTE should avoid:

Over-prioritize their work - the ART's Product Manager prioritizes features, while each Product Owner prioritizes their team's stories. 

Govern unit operations and enforce the SAFe essentials. The RTE aims to maximize decentralized decision-making and assist Agile teams in growing their systems.

Allocate duties - each Scrum team chooses which items from the version queue to tackle each day.

Differences & Similarities Between the roles of Scrum master & Release Train Engineer RTE

Conclusion

Traditional managers must be taught the role of servant leaders. While a Scrum Master is a great servant leader, an RTE entails more than just becoming a servant leader.

Instead of being a referee, the Release Train Engineer must be a well-structured, emotionally intelligent leader, motivator, trainer, and supervisor to the crews. They must have outstanding leadership qualities to lead several teams simultaneously, while the Scrum Master's leadership ability helps them focus on just one team. They must radiate confidence and dedication to the goal to achieve the Program Increment's goals.

In this entire discussion of RTE vs. Scrum Master, we will conclude that they must motivate their staff to strive for continuous improvement. They must share their enthusiasm and dedication with the teams to achieve the Program Increment's objectives. They must be empathetic and helpful and ensure the project's success. Simplify Agile Leadership: Enroll in Scrum Master and Release Train Engineer (RTE) Courses Today at Simpliaxis.