Answering: “How is management that is external to the Scrum Team involved in the Daily Scrum?” (PSM I)

External managers have no required part in the Daily Scrum. The event exists so the Developers can inspect their progress and replan the next day of work.

Exam Question

How is management that is external to the Scrum Team involved in the Daily Scrum? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Product Owner represents their opinions.
• B. Managers are not required at the Daily Scrum.
• C. The Scrum Master speaks on their behalf.
• D. Management gives an update at the start of each Daily Scrum.

Correct Answer

B. Managers are not required at the Daily Scrum.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Daily Scrum is short and narrow by design. The Scrum Guide states its purpose as “to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary, adjusting the upcoming planned work.” The people who need to do that are the Developers. Nothing in Scrum gives managers a speaking part, and nobody needs to represent them there. Managers who want insight have better options: the Sprint Review, the visible Sprint Backlog and conversations with the Product Owner. If their presence starts turning the event into a status report, the Scrum Master should coach everyone on its real purpose.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. The Product Owner represents their opinions. The Product Owner is accountable for product value, not for carrying management opinions into the Developers’ planning.

C. The Scrum Master speaks on their behalf. The Scrum Master does not act as management’s voice. Doing so would undermine the team’s self-management.

D. Management gives an update at the start. Adding a management update eats into a 15-minute timebox and shifts the focus away from the Sprint Goal.

Exam Tip

If a Daily Scrum option adds someone who reports, represents or updates, it is turning the event into a status meeting. Eliminate it.

Key Takeaways

• Managers have no required role at the Daily Scrum.
• The event is about progress toward the Sprint Goal.
• Better places for managers to see progress exist.