Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A new Product Owner joins the team and struggles to prioritize the Product Backlog effectively. They often change priorities mid-Sprint, leading to confusion and demotivation within the Development Team. The Scrum Master observes this pattern. Which Scrum Master stance is most appropriate to help the Product Owner in this situation?
- ACoach, by asking powerful questions to help the Product Owner understand the impact of their actions and explore better prioritization strategies.
- BServant Leader, by shielding the Development Team from the changing priorities without addressing the root cause with the Product Owner.
- CImpediment Remover, by taking over the Product Backlog prioritization to ensure stability for the Development Team.
- DTeacher, by giving the Product Owner a detailed lecture on the importance of stable Sprints and how to write good user stories.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Coach, by asking powerful questions to help the Product Owner understand the impact of their actions and explore better prioritization strategies.
The Product Owner needs to develop their own understanding and skills in prioritization. Coaching, through powerful questions, helps them reflect on their actions, understand the impact, and discover more effective strategies themselves, leading to sustainable improvement.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Shielding the team without addressing the PO's behavior doesn't solve the underlying problem and can enable poor practices.
- C. Taking over the Product Backlog goes against the Product Owner's accountability and disempowers them from learning and growing.
- D. While teaching is valuable, a lecture might not be as effective as coaching for behavioral change and skill development. It's more prescriptive than empowering.
Scrum Master as Coach (Product Owner)
The Scrum Master coaches the Product Owner on Product Backlog management, maximizing value, and engaging stakeholders effectively.
- Helps PO maximize value.
- Guides on backlog ordering and refinement.
- Encourages effective stakeholder collaboration.
Memory trick: The Coach helps the Product Owner find their own path to an ordered backlog.