Helping a Newly Formed Scrum Team Start Up
As a Scrum Master on a newly formed Scrum Team, it is crucial to facilitate activities that will set the team up for success. Here are some recommended actions to help the team start effectively.
Exam Question
You are the Scrum Master on a newly formed Scrum Team. Which two of the following activities would probably help the team in starting up? (choose the best two answers)
- A. Ensure the team understands they need a Definition of Done.
- B. Ensure the Scrum Team members have compatible personalities.
- C. Have the manager for each Developer introduce their direct reports and go over their responsibilities on the Scrum Team.
- D. Ask the Product Owner to discuss the product, its vision, history, goals, and context, as well as answer questions.
- E. Introduce a bonus system for the top performers in the team.
Correct Answers
A. Ensure the team understands they need a Definition of Done.
D. Ask the Product Owner to discuss the product, its vision, history, goals, and context, as well as answer questions.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. Ensure the team understands they need a Definition of Done:
The Definition of Done is a crucial concept in Scrum. It provides a clear and shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete. Establishing this early helps set quality standards, ensures transparency, and facilitates consistent delivery of potentially shippable Increments.
Why D is Correct
D. Ask the Product Owner to discuss the product, its vision, history, goals, and context, as well as answer questions:
Having the Product Owner share the product vision, history, goals, and context helps the team understand the bigger picture. This knowledge is essential for aligning their work with the overall product strategy and objectives, fostering a sense of purpose and direction.
Why B, C, and E are Incorrect
B. Ensure the Scrum Team members have compatible personalities: While team dynamics are important, the focus should be on building a professional and collaborative environment rather than ensuring compatible personalities. Scrum emphasizes self-management and cross-functionality over personal compatibility.
C. Have the manager for each Developer introduce their direct reports and go over their responsibilities on the Scrum Team: This approach contradicts the self-managing nature of Scrum Teams. Team members should define their roles and responsibilities collaboratively rather than having them dictated by external managers.
E. Introduce a bonus system for the top performers in the team: Introducing a bonus system can create competition rather than collaboration, which goes against the principles of Scrum. The focus should be on collective team performance and achieving the Sprint Goal.
Key Points
- Definition of Done: Establishing a clear Definition of Done ensures quality and consistency.
- Product Vision: Understanding the product vision and goals aligns the team’s efforts with the overall strategy.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the best practices for helping a newly formed Scrum Team start effectively is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of establishing a Definition of Done and understanding the product vision.
Conclusion
To help a newly formed Scrum Team start up effectively, ensuring the team understands the need for a Definition of Done and having the Product Owner discuss the product vision, history, goals, and context are essential activities. These actions foster a shared understanding of quality standards and align the team’s efforts with the overall product strategy.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
