Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum FrameworkHard
A Scrum Team is consistently delivering 'Done' Increments, but they frequently miss their Sprint Goals. During Sprint Planning, they tend to select a large number of Product Backlog Items (PBIs) and focus on completing as many as possible, rather than achieving a specific objective. What is the MOST likely root cause of missing Sprint Goals?
- AThe Scrum Master is not removing impediments quickly enough.
- BThe team is prioritizing output (number of items) over outcome (Sprint Goal).
- CThe Product Owner is not effectively ordering the Product Backlog by value.
- DLack of a well-defined Definition of Done, leading to incomplete work.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The team is prioritizing output (number of items) over outcome (Sprint Goal).
The Sprint Goal is the single objective for the Sprint, providing flexibility regarding the exact work needed to achieve it. If a team focuses on completing a large number of PBIs rather than the Sprint Goal, they are prioritizing output over the desired outcome, making it easy to miss the overarching objective even if individual items are 'Done'.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While impediments can always hinder progress, the scenario points to a strategic misfocus by the team during Sprint execution, not just external blockers.
- C. The Product Owner's ordering affects *what* goes into the Sprint, but the issue is the team's *focus* during the Sprint itself, not the initial ordering.
- D. The question states they are 'consistently delivering 'Done' Increments,' so the Definition of Done is being met.
Sprint Goal Importance
The Sprint Goal is the single objective for the Sprint. It creates coherence and focus, allowing the Development Team flexibility regarding the functionality implemented to achieve it. It guides the Developers on why they are building the Increment.
- Single objective for the Sprint.
- Provides flexibility and focus.
- Guides the Developers' work.
Memory trick: Goal Focus, Not Just Item Count.