Answering: “Which of the following are topics for the Developers to discuss at the Daily Scrum as they inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal?” (PSM I)

At the Daily Scrum, the Developers talk about decisions needed to keep progress toward the Sprint Goal, impediments blocking it, and what they have learned and how to adapt the plan. Hours worked, lateness and next Sprint’s goal are off topic.

Exam Question

Which of the following are topics for the Developers to discuss at the Daily Scrum as they inspect their progress toward the Sprint Goal? (choose the best three answers)

• A. Are there any decisions that need to be made to maintain progress toward the Sprint Goal?
• B. Are there any impediments blocking progress toward the Sprint Goal?
• C. What will I be working on tomorrow?
• D. Will today’s work negatively impact our ability to meet the Sprint Goal for the Sprint following this one?
• E. How many hours did I spend on the project yesterday?
• F. Why were you late?
• G. What have we learned since yesterday, and how should we modify our plan to increase our ability to meet the Sprint Goal?

Correct Answer

A, B and G.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide says the Daily Scrum is used “to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as necessary.” It also notes that Daily Scrums “improve communications, identify impediments, promote quick decision-making.” Options A, B and G fit this exactly. They cover decisions, impediments and adapting the plan based on learning. The 2020 Scrum Guide removed the three standard questions, so the Developers can use any structure that focuses on the Sprint Goal and produces an actionable plan for the next day.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

C. What will I be working on tomorrow? This focuses on the individual and their task list rather than team progress toward the Sprint Goal.

D. Will today’s work hurt the Sprint Goal of the following Sprint? The Daily Scrum is about the current Sprint Goal. The next Sprint Goal does not exist yet.

E. How many hours did I spend on the project yesterday? Hours are input, not progress. Scrum does not use the Daily Scrum for time tracking.

F. Why were you late? Blaming people has no place in the Daily Scrum and damages the respect the team depends on.

Exam Tip

Good Daily Scrum topics point at the current Sprint Goal and the team’s plan. Individual, time-tracking or future-Sprint topics are distractors.

Key Takeaways

• The Daily Scrum is centered on the current Sprint Goal.
• Decisions, impediments and plan changes are the core topics.
• The 2020 Scrum Guide does not require the three questions.