Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
During a Daily Scrum, the Development Team members report their progress to the Scrum Master, rather than to each other. They also discuss technical solutions in detail, causing the meeting to run over the timebox. What is the most appropriate Scrum Master stance to address this behavior?
- ATeacher, by reiterating the purpose and timebox of the Daily Scrum to the team.
- BMentor, by sharing examples of effective Daily Scrums from other teams you've worked with.
- CFacilitator, by actively steering the conversation back to the three questions and enforcing the timebox.
- DCoach, by asking open-ended questions that encourage the team to self-organize and address each other.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Coach, by asking open-ended questions that encourage the team to self-organize and address each other.
The team is demonstrating a lack of self-organization and understanding of the Daily Scrum's purpose. While teaching might be a first step, coaching, through asking questions, encourages the team to discover and implement the correct behavior themselves, fostering self-management and ownership.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Teaching is a valid approach, but coaching helps the team internalize the 'why' and foster self-organization, rather than just being told.
- B. Mentoring provides examples but might not directly lead to the team's self-correction or deep understanding of the purpose.
- C. Facilitating is part of the role, but merely enforcing rules doesn't necessarily lead to the team's self-correction and ownership.
Scrum Master as Coach (Team)
The Scrum Master coaches the Development Team in self-organization and cross-functionality, helping them to focus on creating high-value Increments.
- Guides the team towards self-management.
- Helps resolve internal conflicts and improve collaboration.
- Encourages team members to inspect and adapt their practices.
Memory trick: Coach the Team to Collaborate and Conquer.