Managing Daily Scrum Dynamics
The Daily Scrum is a key event in Scrum, designed to help the Developers inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt their plan for the next 24 hours. This article explores a specific exam question about the best actions a Scrum Master can take when a Product Owner’s behavior may impact the Developers, providing detailed explanations and insights relevant to the PSM II exam.
Exam Question
In the Daily Scrum, the Product Owner applauds every Developer who moves a Sprint Backlog item to completion. The Product Owner wants to encourage the Developers to make progress visible on the burn-down chart. Select the two best options for the Scrum Master to take. (choose the best two answers)
- A. Tell the Product Owner your concerns about how his behavior may impact the Developers, and ask him to stop attending the Daily Scrum for some time.
- B. Take the opportunity to create more energy and team spirit and encourage everyone to participate in the applause.
- C. Nothing. The Scrum Master does not attend the Daily Scrum.
- D. Coach the Scrum Team about the purpose of the Daily Scrum.
Correct Answers
A. Tell the Product Owner your concerns about how his behavior may impact the Developers, and ask him to stop attending the Daily Scrum for some time.
D. Coach the Scrum Team about the purpose of the Daily Scrum.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. Tell the Product Owner your concerns about how his behavior may impact the Developers, and ask him to stop attending the Daily Scrum for some time: The Daily Scrum is primarily for the Developers to inspect and adapt their plan. The Product Owner’s behavior, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently create pressure or a sense of performance anxiety among Developers. It is important to address this concern with the Product Owner and explain the potential negative impacts. Temporarily asking the Product Owner to stop attending the Daily Scrum can help restore the intended focus of the event.
D. Coach the Scrum Team about the purpose of the Daily Scrum: The Scrum Master should ensure that the Scrum Team understands the purpose of the Daily Scrum. It is a time for the Developers to inspect progress and plan their work for the next 24 hours, not for status reporting or external validation. Coaching the team on this purpose helps maintain the integrity of the event and ensures it serves its intended function.
Incorrect Answers
B. Take the opportunity to create more energy and team spirit and encourage everyone to participate in the applause: While creating energy and team spirit is important, the Daily Scrum is not the appropriate event for this type of recognition. Applauding individual achievements can shift the focus from team collaboration to individual performance, which is counterproductive in a Scrum context.
C. Nothing. The Scrum Master does not attend the Daily Scrum: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring that the Scrum events are effective and adhere to their purpose. While the Scrum Master may not always attend the Daily Scrum, they should still be aware of and address issues that impact the event’s effectiveness.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner should understand their role in supporting the team without interfering with the Daily Scrum. Their primary focus should be on maximizing the value of the product and ensuring the Product Backlog is well-ordered.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates Scrum events and ensures that they adhere to their purpose. They coach the team and the organization on Scrum practices and principles, including the proper conduct during events like the Daily Scrum.
- Developers: Developers use the Daily Scrum to inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt their plan for the next 24 hours. This event is for the Developers to coordinate their work and address any impediments collaboratively.
Relevance to the PSM II Exam
Understanding the purpose of the Daily Scrum and the appropriate actions a Scrum Master should take when issues arise is crucial for the PSM II exam. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of Scrum principles and the role of the Scrum Master in facilitating effective Scrum events. Mastering this concept ensures that Scrum Masters can effectively guide their teams and organizations in maintaining the integrity of Scrum practices.
Key Takeaways
- The Daily Scrum is for the Developers to inspect progress and adapt their plan.
- External validation or applause during the Daily Scrum can create pressure and shift the focus from team collaboration.
- The Scrum Master should coach the team and address any behavior that impacts the effectiveness of the Daily Scrum.
Conclusion
Managing the dynamics of the Daily Scrum is essential for maintaining its effectiveness. When a Product Owner’s behavior impacts the Developers, the Scrum Master should address the concerns and coach the team on the purpose of the event. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective Scrum implementation and success in the PSM II exam. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM II Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
