Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A Development Team member consistently struggles with self-organization, frequently asking the Scrum Master for task assignments and detailed instructions, even after several Sprints. The Scrum Master wants to foster greater autonomy. Which stance is most effective in this situation?
- AImpediment Remover, by reporting the team member's lack of self-organization to their functional manager for disciplinary action.
- BServant Leader, by making sure the team member always has a clear list of tasks assigned to them by the Scrum Master.
- CTeacher, by providing a detailed guide on how to break down tasks and select work from the Sprint Backlog.
- DCoach, by asking probing questions to help the team member identify their own next steps and how to contribute to the Sprint Goal.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Coach, by asking probing questions to help the team member identify their own next steps and how to contribute to the Sprint Goal.
The team member needs to develop their own ability to self-organize. As a Coach, the Scrum Master can use powerful questions to guide the individual to reflect, identify solutions, and take ownership of their work, fostering autonomy rather than dependency.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reporting to a manager is a punitive measure that doesn't help the individual develop the desired behavior and goes against the Scrum Master's role as a supportive leader.
- B. Assigning tasks reinforces dependency, which is the opposite of fostering self-organization.
- C. While teaching provides knowledge, coaching helps internalize the skill and apply it in practice through self-discovery.
Scrum Master as Coach (Development Team)
The Scrum Master coaches the Development Team in self-organization and cross-functionality, helping them improve their processes and collaboration.
- Guides team towards self-management.
- Fosters continuous improvement.
- Helps resolve internal conflicts.
Memory trick: The Coach helps the team navigate to self-sufficiency.