How Scrum Promotes Self-Management
Self-management is a core principle of Scrum, empowering Scrum Teams to take ownership of their work and decisions. Let’s examine the ways in which Scrum promotes self-management.
Exam Question
What are three ways Scrum promotes self-management? (choose the best three answers)
- A. By the Scrum Team deciding what work to do in a Sprint.
- B. By having the Scrum Master protect the Scrum Team from interruptions.
- C. By being a lightweight framework.
- D. By removing titles for Scrum Team members.
Correct Answers
A. By the Scrum Team deciding what work to do in a Sprint.
C. By being a lightweight framework.
D. By removing titles for Scrum Team members.
Explanation
Why A, C, and D are Correct
A. By the Scrum Team deciding what work to do in a Sprint:
One of the key aspects of self-management in Scrum is that the Scrum Team collectively decides what work will be undertaken in a Sprint. This occurs during the Sprint Planning event, where the Developers select Product Backlog items based on their capacity and the Sprint Goal. This autonomy empowers the team to manage their workload and responsibilities effectively.
C. By being a lightweight framework:
Scrum’s lightweight nature provides the flexibility and simplicity needed for teams to manage their own work. The framework’s minimal rules and prescribed events allow teams to adapt and self-organize around their specific needs and challenges, promoting self-management and continuous improvement.
D. By removing titles for Scrum Team members:
Scrum eliminates traditional job titles within the Scrum Team, promoting equality and shared responsibility. By focusing on roles rather than titles, Scrum encourages team members to contribute in various capacities, fostering a culture of collaboration and self-management.
Why B is Incorrect
B. By having the Scrum Master protect the Scrum Team from interruptions:
While the Scrum Master does help protect the team from external disruptions, this is not a primary way Scrum promotes self-management. The focus of self-management is on the team’s ability to organize and manage their work internally, rather than relying on external protection.
Key Points
- Autonomy: Self-managing teams decide their work for each Sprint, giving them control over their tasks and responsibilities.
- Flexibility: Scrum’s lightweight framework supports adaptability and self-organization.
- Equality: Removing titles promotes equal responsibility and collaboration within the Scrum Team.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Collaborates with the Developers to define the Sprint Goal and ensure the Product Backlog is ordered and refined.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events and helps remove impediments, supporting the team’s self-management without direct interference.
- Developers: Self-manage their work, deciding what to commit to during the Sprint and collaborating to achieve the Sprint Goal.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding how Scrum promotes self-management is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates appreciate the principles of autonomy, flexibility, and equality that underpin effective Scrum teams.
Conclusion
Scrum promotes self-management by allowing the Scrum Team to decide their work for each Sprint, being a lightweight framework that supports adaptability, and removing titles to encourage equality and collaboration. These principles empower Scrum Teams to take ownership of their work and continuously improve.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
