Developers show self-management when they select and re-plan their own work during the Sprint and build their own Sprint Backlog that covers everything in the Definition of Done. Function-based handoffs or management-led planning show the opposite.
Exam Question
Which two of these situations best demonstrate that the Developers are self-managing? (choose the best two answers)
- A. The Developers are strictly working within the boundaries of their function description, and are handing off work in a timely fashion to the other roles within the team.
- B. Management is invited to the Daily Scrum for a progress update and subsequently works with the Scrum Master to optimize the plan for the next day.
- C. The Developers collaboratively select and re-plan their work during the Sprint.
- D. The Developers invite the right external people to the Sprint Planning to help them create a complete and detailed Sprint Backlog before the meeting time-box expires.
- E. The Developers create their own Sprint Backlog, reflecting all work that is part of the Definition of Done.
Correct Answer
C and E.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Scrum Guide says Scrum Teams are “self-managing, meaning they internally decide who does what, when, and how.” Option C shows this during the Sprint: the Developers pick up work together and change their plan as they learn, without waiting for someone to assign it. Option E shows it in planning: the Sprint Backlog is “a plan by and for the Developers,” and it includes all the work needed to meet the Definition of Done, not just feature coding. In both cases the people closest to the work make the decisions about it, which is the core of self-management.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. Developers stay within function descriptions and hand off work. Strict functional boundaries and handoffs show a sequential process, not a team that organizes its own work around the goal.
B. Management joins the Daily Scrum and plans with the Scrum Master. The Daily Scrum is for the Developers. Management and the Scrum Master optimizing the plan takes self-management away from the team.
D. External people help create a complete Sprint Backlog before the timebox ends. Inviting outside help can be fine, but aiming for a complete, detailed plan up front is not a sign of self-management. The Sprint Backlog emerges during the Sprint.
Exam Tip
For self-management questions, ask who is making the decision. If it is anyone other than the Developers deciding on their own work, eliminate the option.
Key Takeaways
- Self-managing Developers decide who does what, when and how.
- The Sprint Backlog includes all Definition of Done work.
- Re-planning during the Sprint is normal and healthy.
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More PSM II exam questions
- A Scrum Team consists of Developers working from globally distributed locations. Organizing the Scrum events requires conferencing tools that are not easily available within the organization. The Developers propose doing a Daily Scrum only on Tuesdays. Which are the most appropriate responses for their Scrum Master?
- You are the Scrum Master of a Scrum Team that is new to Scrum. The Product Owner comes to you halfway through the Sprint and says, “I don’t feel like the Developers will be able to meet their commitment to deliver the Product Backlog items selected during Sprint Planning.” What should you do in this situation?
- Which four of the following risks to product development are addressed by Scrum?
- Several Sprints into a project, the Product Owner tells the Scrum Master that a key stakeholder just started using the product. The stakeholder is unhappy with the slow performance, a complaint that the Product Owner agrees on. How will you move this forward?
- During a Sprint Review, the Product Owner determines that she is going to release the current Increment to production. The stakeholders ask to stop the Sprint to react more quickly to the user feedback that is expected after this release. The Product Owner prefers to continue the Sprint to make progress with the next release. You facilitate a discussion on how to proceed. What are two acceptable results of this discussion?