The Limitations of the Scrum Master

grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference

The role of scrum master exists to ensure the scrum process can flow smoothly. The role handles the administrative burden of the process, and provides a dedicated resource to ensure the process runs smoothly.

It goes without saying the wider environment the development takes place in is beyond the control of the team itself. It may affect the team's efficacy, but it will do no good to try to fight against it.

Similarly, a scrum master is not HR. Interpersonal issues may be getting in the way of the process, but a scrum master isn't the person to deal with them.

And the scrum master is not the product owner. The responsibility of what the product will be doesn't rest with the scrum master, even though that vision directs the process.

Injecting oneself into the totality of the process is a surefire path to stress and futility in the wider process. There are plenty of things the scrum master can influence, and knowing that is vital for successful delivery.