Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesMedium
A new Scrum Team is frequently blocked by external dependencies and struggles to integrate their work with other teams. The Scrum Master facilitates a session to map out the value stream, identify bottlenecks, and propose cross-team collaboration agreements. This action is most aligned with which principle from Lean Thinking?
- AOptimize the Whole
- BEliminate Waste
- CDeliver Fast
- DAmplify Learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Optimize the Whole
The Scrum Master's actions to map the value stream, identify bottlenecks, and propose cross-team agreements are aimed at improving the overall flow and efficiency across multiple teams, not just within the Scrum Team. This is a direct application of 'Optimize the Whole'.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While some waste might be eliminated, the primary goal is broader systemic improvement, not just waste removal.
- C. Delivering fast is a desired outcome, but the approach described is about systemic optimization to achieve that, rather than just pushing for speed.
- D. Learning will occur, but it's a byproduct of optimizing the system, not the main focus of mapping the value stream for bottlenecks.
Lean Principle: Optimize the Whole
The principle of optimizing the whole emphasizes focusing on the entire value stream and system, rather than optimizing individual parts in isolation.
- Prevents local optimizations that harm the overall system.
- Requires understanding interdependencies.
- Aims for system-level efficiency and value delivery.
Memory trick: VDDE: Value, Flow, Pull, Perfection. Plus: Eliminate Waste, Amplify Learning, Decide Late, Deliver Fast, Optimize Whole – 'V-D-D-E' is how Lean grows!