Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
The Development Team frequently identifies external dependencies on other departments that cause significant delays, impacting their ability to deliver working Increments. These dependencies are outside the team's control, and the team feels powerless to resolve them. Which Scrum Master stance is primarily needed here?
- ATeacher, by explaining to the Development Team that they should learn to manage these dependencies themselves.
- BCoach, by facilitating a brainstorming session with the team to find workarounds for the external dependencies.
- CServant Leader, by ensuring the Development Team has all the necessary tools and processes to document these dependencies.
- DImpediment Remover, by actively working with other departments and management to resolve these external blockers and streamline cross-team collaboration.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Impediment Remover, by actively working with other departments and management to resolve these external blockers and streamline cross-team collaboration.
External dependencies that block the team's progress and are beyond their control are classic impediments. The Scrum Master's role as an Impediment Remover involves actively working to eliminate these obstacles, often requiring collaboration with individuals and departments outside the immediate Scrum Team.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While teams should strive for self-management, dependencies truly outside their control require external intervention, not just teaching.
- B. Finding workarounds might be a temporary solution, but it doesn't remove the root cause of the external dependency, which the Impediment Remover strives to do.
- C. Documenting dependencies is useful, but it doesn't remove the actual impediment of the external block, which is the primary concern.
Scrum Master as Impediment Remover
The Scrum Master helps the Scrum Team by removing impediments to its progress, particularly those that the team cannot resolve on its own.
- Removes obstacles to team progress.
- Addresses issues beyond team control.
- Works with external stakeholders.
Memory trick: The Impediment Remover clears the path so the team can run freely.