Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A Scrum Master observes that the Development Team is consistently struggling to meet their Sprint Goals due to frequent interruptions and conflicting priorities from various stakeholders. The Product Owner is aware of this but feels powerless to address it effectively. Which Scrum Master stance would be most appropriate for the Scrum Master to adopt in this situation?
- AMentor, by providing direct solutions to the team on how to manage interruptions.
- BFacilitator, by organizing a meeting for the team to vent their frustrations to the Product Owner.
- CChange Agent, by working with the Product Owner and stakeholders to improve the organizational environment.
- DTeacher, by explaining the importance of Sprint Goals to the Development Team.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Change Agent, by working with the Product Owner and stakeholders to improve the organizational environment.
The Scrum Master, as a Change Agent, helps improve the way Scrum is applied within the organization, addressing systemic issues that hinder the team's ability to deliver value. This involves working with stakeholders and leadership to remove impediments beyond the team's direct control.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mentoring involves guiding the team; direct solutions might not address the root cause and doesn't involve organizational change.
- B. Facilitating a venting session might provide temporary relief but doesn't address the underlying systemic problems causing the interruptions.
- D. Teaching the team about Sprint Goals won't resolve external interruptions or conflicting priorities from stakeholders.
Scrum Master as Change Agent
The Scrum Master acts as a Change Agent by helping the organization understand and enact Scrum, and by planning and guiding Scrum implementations within the organization.
- Addresses systemic impediments beyond the team's control.
- Works with stakeholders and leadership to improve the environment.
- Fosters a culture conducive to agility.
Memory trick: Scrum Masters Can Teach, Coach, Facilitate, Mentor, Lead, and Change.