a developer had an issue with no hardware to test the software. the scrum master contacted the hardware manager to help resolve the issue. what characteristic is the scrum master exhibiting?

The Scrum Master is exhibiting the characteristic of leadership in this situation.

By proactively reaching out to the hardware manager to remove an impediment blocking the Developer, the Scrum Master is taking initiative, enabling the team to move forward, and demonstrating servant leadership rather than passively waiting for others to solve the problem.