Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesHard

A Scrum Team is consistently unable to forecast accurately during Sprint Planning, leading to frequent uncompleted Sprint Goals. The Scrum Master notices that the Developers often pick up new work mid-Sprint without consulting the Product Owner. Which Scrum Value is primarily being undermined?

  1. ARespect
  2. BOpenness
  3. CCourage
  4. DCommitment
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. Commitment

Picking up new work mid-Sprint without consulting the Product Owner, especially when Sprint Goals are already being missed, shows a lack of commitment to the agreed-upon Sprint Goal and to working collaboratively as a team to achieve it. It also undermines the Product Owner's role in maximizing value.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. While it could show a lack of respect for the Product Owner's role, the direct impact is on the team's ability to commit to and achieve its goals.
  • B. Openness is about transparency, but the issue is not primarily about hiding information, but about deviating from agreed work.
  • C. Courage might be needed to address this, but the underlying value being violated by the action is commitment.

Scrum Value: Commitment

People personally commit to achieving the goals of the Scrum Team.

  • Dedicated to the Sprint Goal.
  • Supports team members.
  • Follows agreed-upon processes.
  • Takes responsibility for outcomes.

Memory trick: Commit to the goal, focus on the work, respect each other, be open and courageous.

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