Whoever the Developers decide should start the Daily Scrum. Scrum does not assign the opening to the Product Owner, the Scrum Master or any ritual like a token.
Exam Question
Who starts the Daily Scrum?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Product Owner.
B. The person who has the token.
C. Whoever the Developers decide should start.
D. The Scrum Master. This ensures that the Developers have the event, and it stays within the timebox.
E. The person coming in last. This encourages people to be on time and helps to stay within the timebox.
Correct Answer
C. Whoever the Developers decide should start.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
The Daily Scrum is “a 15-minute event for the Developers of the Scrum Team.” The Scrum Guide says they “can select whatever structure and techniques they want, as long as their Daily Scrum focuses on progress toward the Sprint Goal and produces an actionable plan for the next day of work.” Who speaks first is part of that structure, so the Developers choose. A token or a rotation is fine if they pick it. The Scrum Master only ensures the event takes place and helps the team keep it within the timebox when needed.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A. The Product Owner. The Daily Scrum is the Developers’ event. The Product Owner does not run it.
B. The person who has the token. A token is one possible technique, but Scrum does not prescribe it. The Developers decide.
D. The Scrum Master, to make sure it happens and stays in the timebox. The Scrum Master ensures the event takes place but does not lead or start it.
E. The last person to arrive, to encourage punctuality. Rules that single people out are not part of Scrum and can feel like punishment.
Exam Tip
Daily Scrum format questions are almost always answered by “the Developers decide.”
Key Takeaways
- The Developers own the Daily Scrum and its format.
- They choose its structure, including who starts.
- The Scrum Master ensures it happens but does not run it.
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More PSPO I exam questions
- An organization has decided to adopt Scrum, but management wants to change the terminology to fit with terminology already used. What will likely happen if this is done?” (PSPO I)
- A Scrum Master is working with a Scrum Team that has Developers in different physical locations. The Developers meet in a variety of meeting rooms and have much to do logistically (for example: reserve meetings rooms and set up conference calls) before the Daily Scrum. What action should the Scrum Master take?” (PSPO I)
- How is management that is external to the Scrum Team involved in the Daily Scrum?” (PSPO I)
- Who is accountable for managing the progress of work during a Sprint?” (PSPO I)
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