Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A Development Team member approaches the Scrum Master privately, expressing concerns about a lack of technical expertise within the team to tackle a complex new feature. They are hesitant to bring it up in front of the whole team or the Product Owner. What is the most fitting Scrum Master stance in this situation?
- AServant Leader, by empathizing with the team member and assuring them the issue will be handled.
- BMentor, by discussing potential learning resources or suggesting ways to acquire the necessary skills.
- CImpediment Remover, by immediately finding an external expert to join the team.
- DFacilitator, by encouraging the team member to bring up the concern during the next Daily Scrum.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Mentor, by discussing potential learning resources or suggesting ways to acquire the necessary skills.
The team member lacks specific technical knowledge. As a Mentor, the Scrum Master can share insights, suggest specific learning paths, or connect the team member with resources or other experts to help them develop the required skills.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Empathy is important for a Servant Leader, but simply assuring them without providing a path forward doesn't solve the underlying skill gap.
- C. Immediately bringing in an external expert might solve the problem, but it doesn't empower the team to grow or address skill gaps internally, and might not be sustainable.
- D. While transparency is good, pushing an individual to raise a sensitive issue without first providing support or options might be unhelpful.
Scrum Master as Mentor
The Scrum Master acts as a Mentor by sharing Scrum knowledge, best practices, and personal experiences to guide individuals and the team.
- Shares insights and wisdom.
- Suggests learning resources and development paths.
- Helps individuals grow in their roles and skills.
Memory trick: Mentors Motivate Mastery through Meaningful Musings.