Resolving Internal Disagreements on Agile Practices
In Scrum, internal disagreements within the Scrum Team about which agile practices to apply can hinder progress and team cohesion. The Scrum Master plays a vital role in facilitating discussions and helping the team reach a consensus on the best practices to adopt.
Exam Question
What techniques could the Scrum Master use when the Scrum Team gets caught in an internal disagreement about which agile practices to apply? (choose the best two answers)
- A. Use coaching techniques like open questions and active listening.
- B. Ask an external agile coach what they recommend.
- C. Involve the complete Scrum Team in making a decision.
- D. Ask team members to take the issue up with the company’s Human Resources department.
Correct Answers
A. Use coaching techniques like open questions and active listening.
C. Involve the complete Scrum Team in making a decision.
Explanation
Why A and C are Correct
A. Use coaching techniques like open questions and active listening:
Coaching techniques such as open questions and active listening help facilitate meaningful conversations. The Scrum Master can guide the team to explore different perspectives and reach a shared understanding. This approach promotes a collaborative environment where all team members feel heard and valued.
C. Involve the complete Scrum Team in making a decision:
Involving the entire Scrum Team in the decision-making process ensures that everyone has a voice and contributes to the outcome. This collaborative approach fosters team ownership and commitment to the agreed-upon practices. It also aligns with the Scrum principle of self-management, where the team collectively decides how to best achieve their goals.
Why B and D are Incorrect
B. Ask an external agile coach what they recommend: While external advice can be valuable, it is important for the Scrum Team to resolve their disagreements internally. This builds their capacity for self-management and decision-making. Relying on external recommendations can undermine the team’s autonomy and responsibility.
D. Ask team members to take the issue up with the company’s Human Resources department: Involving Human Resources in internal team disagreements is not appropriate in this context. The Scrum Master should help the team address and resolve their issues collaboratively, rather than escalating them to an external department.
Key Points
- Coaching Techniques: Facilitate open and active discussions to explore different perspectives and reach a consensus.
- Team Involvement: Ensure the entire Scrum Team is involved in the decision-making process to foster ownership and commitment.
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 how to facilitate team discussions and resolve internal disagreements is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of coaching and collaborative decision-making within the Scrum framework.
Conclusion
When a Scrum Team faces internal disagreements about which agile practices to apply, the Scrum Master should use coaching techniques like open questions and active listening and involve the complete Scrum Team in making a decision. This approach ensures that the team collaboratively resolves their issues and commits to the agreed-upon practices, ultimately enhancing their self-management and effectiveness.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
