Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Master StancesEasy
A newly formed Development Team is consistently struggling to define clear, actionable Sprint Goals during Sprint Planning. They tend to list Product Backlog Items without articulating a cohesive objective for the Sprint. What Scrum Master stance is MOST appropriate to address this recurring issue?
- AChange Agent, by proposing a new Sprint Planning format to management.
- BMentor, by telling the team what a good Sprint Goal should look like.
- CFacilitator, by guiding the discussion towards creating a unified Sprint Goal.
- DImpediment Remover, by taking over the creation of the Sprint Goal for the team.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Facilitator, by guiding the discussion towards creating a unified Sprint Goal.
The Scrum Master, as a Facilitator, guides the team during Scrum events to ensure effective collaboration and decision-making. In this scenario, guiding the team to create a clear Sprint Goal is a direct facilitative action.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Proposing a new format to management is premature and bypasses the opportunity to facilitate the team's improvement within the existing framework.
- B. Mentoring involves sharing experience and advice, but for a recurring team-level process issue, facilitation to enable the team to collaboratively solve it is more appropriate than just telling them.
- D. Taking over the Sprint Goal creation undermines team self-management and the Scrum Master's role as a servant leader.
Facilitator for Sprint Goal
As a Facilitator, the Scrum Master guides the Development Team and Product Owner during Sprint Planning to collaboratively define a clear and cohesive Sprint Goal.
- Ensures effective communication and collaboration.
- Helps the team stay focused on the event's purpose.
- Empowers the team to reach their own decisions.
Memory trick: Facilitators Guide, Not Dictate.