Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesHard
A Scrum Master notices that the Development Team consistently defers to senior members during discussions, even when junior members have valid points. This stifles creativity and limits diverse perspectives. The Scrum Master wants to create an environment where all voices are heard and valued. What is the most appropriate Scrum Master stance?
- AMentor, by advising junior members on how to assert themselves more effectively.
- BCoach, by encouraging the team to self-organize and address the issue themselves without intervention.
- CTeacher, by explaining the importance of diverse perspectives in problem-solving.
- DFacilitator, by employing techniques during team discussions to ensure equitable participation and psychological safety.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Facilitator, by employing techniques during team discussions to ensure equitable participation and psychological safety.
The issue is a dynamic within team discussions that limits participation. As a Facilitator, the Scrum Master can actively intervene using specific techniques (like round-robin, structured brainstorming, or 'fist-of-five') to balance participation, ensure psychological safety, and guide the team towards more inclusive and effective discussions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Mentoring individuals doesn't address the group dynamic itself or empower the entire team.
- B. While coaching self-organization is a goal, sometimes direct facilitation is needed to model new behaviors and break old patterns before the team can fully self-organize on this issue.
- C. Teaching theory is good, but doesn't immediately change entrenched group dynamics during live discussions.
Scrum Master as Facilitator (Team Dynamics)
The Scrum Master facilitates team interactions and dynamics to promote collaboration, psychological safety, and effective decision-making.
- Manages group processes and interactions.
- Ensures inclusive participation.
- Helps resolve conflicts constructively.
Memory trick: A FACILITATOR 'OPENS THE FLOOR' for everyone to contribute equally.