Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesMedium
A Development Team consistently delivers valuable Increments, but individual members frequently express feelings of being overwhelmed and overworked. They rarely take breaks and work long hours, even when the Sprint Goal seems achievable within normal working hours. The Scrum Master observes this pattern. Which Scrum Master stance is MOST appropriate for addressing this situation?
- ATeacher, to instruct the team on time management techniques.
- BImpediment Remover, by escalating the issue to management to reduce workload.
- CFacilitator, by leading a discussion on work-life balance during the Daily Scrum.
- DServant Leader, by empowering the team to self-organize for sustainable pace.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Servant Leader, by empowering the team to self-organize for sustainable pace.
As a Servant Leader, the Scrum Master focuses on the well-being and growth of the team, empowering them to find sustainable solutions rather than dictating them. This includes fostering an environment where the team can self-organize for a sustainable pace.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While teaching time management might be part of a broader coaching effort, it doesn't directly address the underlying need for empowerment and self-organization related to sustainable pace.
- B. Escalating to management without first empowering the team to address their own practices goes against the principles of self-management and servant leadership.
- C. Facilitating a discussion is a tool, but the underlying stance of empowering the team to own their sustainable pace aligns better with Servant Leadership than just facilitating a single discussion.
Servant Leader for Sustainable Pace
A Scrum Master acts as a Servant Leader by fostering an environment where the Development Team feels empowered and supported to self-organize and establish a sustainable working pace.
- Focus on well-being and growth of the team.
- Empowers the team to find their own solutions.
- Promotes self-organization and sustainable practices.
Memory trick: Servant Leaders Empower Teams to Thrive.