Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A Development Team member consistently struggles with understanding the 'why' behind certain Product Backlog Items, leading to frequent re-work and misinterpretations of requirements. The Scrum Master observes this pattern and wants to help the individual improve their critical thinking and communication skills with the Product Owner. Which Scrum Master stance is most appropriate?
- ACoach, by asking open-ended questions to help the team member explore their difficulties and devise their own strategies for getting clarity.
- BMentor, by sharing personal strategies for effective communication and requirement analysis.
- CTeacher, by explaining the business context for each Product Backlog Item to the team member.
- DImpediment Remover, by directly mediating every conversation between the team member and the Product Owner.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Coach, by asking open-ended questions to help the team member explore their difficulties and devise their own strategies for getting clarity.
The Scrum Master as a Coach empowers individuals to develop their own problem-solving skills. By asking powerful questions, the Scrum Master helps the team member understand their own challenges and discover effective ways to seek clarity and improve communication, fostering self-reliance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Mentoring offers solutions, but coaching helps the individual discover their own, often leading to deeper learning.
- C. Teaching provides information, but doesn't necessarily build the skill of critical thinking or proactive communication.
- D. Direct mediation is a temporary fix and prevents the individual from developing necessary self-management skills.
Scrum Master as Coach (Individual)
The Scrum Master coaches individual team members to improve their skills, understanding of Scrum, and self-management capabilities.
- Focuses on individual growth.
- Uses powerful questioning techniques.
- Encourages self-discovery and reflection.
Memory trick: A COACH helps individuals 'GROW' by finding their own answers.