Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)People & TeamsEasy
A Product Owner is struggling to prioritize the Product Backlog effectively, often changing their mind about the order of items, which causes confusion for the Developers. The Scrum Master wants to help the Product Owner improve. Which of the following is the MOST effective approach for the Scrum Master to take?
- ACoach the Product Owner on techniques for value-based prioritization and engaging stakeholders for input.
- BTake over the responsibility of ordering the Product Backlog to provide stability for the Developers.
- CSuggest implementing a strict freeze on Product Backlog order once Sprint Planning begins.
- DEncourage the Developers to challenge the Product Owner's priorities more frequently to ensure stability.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Coach the Product Owner on techniques for value-based prioritization and engaging stakeholders for input.
The Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner on effectively managing the Product Backlog. By teaching prioritization techniques and stakeholder engagement, the Scrum Master empowers the Product Owner to fulfill their accountability more effectively, leading to a more stable and value-driven Product Backlog.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Taking over the Product Backlog undermines the Product Owner's accountability and the principle of self-management for that role.
- C. While some stability is good, a 'strict freeze' is too rigid and goes against the empirical nature of Scrum, which allows for adaptation based on new information.
- D. While Developers should understand priorities, their role is not to challenge the Product Owner's ordering directly, but rather to collaborate on understanding and developing the items. The Scrum Master's role is to coach the PO.
Product Backlog Prioritization
The act of ordering Product Backlog Items by their relative value, risk, dependencies, and necessity to maximize the value of the product.
- Accountability of the Product Owner.
- Requires continuous refinement and stakeholder collaboration.
- Influences the Sprint Goal and the work of the Developers.
Memory trick: Order for value, clarity for all.