Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
During a Sprint Review, the stakeholders express dissatisfaction because a critical feature they requested seems to be missing, despite the Development Team having completed all planned Product Backlog Items. The Product Owner clarifies that the feature wasn't in the Sprint Backlog. As the Scrum Master, what is your primary role in this situation?
- AAct as an Impediment Remover by ensuring the missing feature is added to the next Sprint Backlog.
- BCoach the Product Owner on effective Product Backlog management and stakeholder communication.
- CMentor the Development Team on how to better manage stakeholder expectations during the Sprint.
- DFacilitate a discussion between the Development Team and stakeholders to resolve the misunderstanding.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Coach the Product Owner on effective Product Backlog management and stakeholder communication.
The core issue here is a misalignment between stakeholder expectations and the Product Backlog, indicating a gap in Product Owner responsibilities. Coaching the Product Owner on managing the Product Backlog, refining items, and communicating with stakeholders is the most effective approach to prevent similar issues in the future.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Adding the feature to the next Sprint Backlog doesn't fix the process gap that led to the miscommunication; it's reactive.
- C. The Development Team works from the Sprint Backlog provided; the issue stems from Product Backlog management and stakeholder alignment, which is the Product Owner's domain.
- D. While facilitation is part of the SM role, simply facilitating a discussion without addressing the underlying process issue isn't the primary action.
Scrum Master as Coach (PO)
The Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner in areas like Product Backlog management, maximizing value, and stakeholder collaboration, to enhance their effectiveness.
- Helps the PO order the Product Backlog effectively.
- Guides on communicating with stakeholders.
- Supports the PO in maximizing product value.
Memory trick: PO's Product Power Comes from Scrum Master's Coaching.