Scrum Master

Correct Answer: Facilitate a discussion with the Product Owner to clarify priorities.

In a Scrum team, when there are conflicting priorities among stakeholders, the first action the Scrum Master should take is to facilitate a discussion with the Product Owner to clarify priorities. This is because the Product Owner is responsible for managing the product backlog, including prioritizing items based on value, making them the best person to negotiate and clarify stakeholder priorities. The other options are incorrect because determining which stakeholder has the highest authority and following their direction undermines the collaborative and prioritized approach encouraged in Scrum. Suggesting a compromise solution that accommodates all stakeholders equally might not always align with the product goals or the highest value, and prioritizing the backlog items solely based on estimated value addition without stakeholder input may neglect important considerations or preferences from the stakeholders. The key in Scrum is collaboration and clarity, and working with the Product Owner to clarify priorities ensures that decisions are made with a full understanding of the product goals and stakeholder needs.

Correct Answer: Facilitate a discussion with the team on the purpose of the Daily Scrum and techniques to keep it focused and timeboxed

The best course of action is to facilitate a discussion with the team on the purpose of the Daily Scrum and techniques to keep it focused and timeboxed. The Daily Scrum is meant to be a short, time-boxed meeting where the Development Team synchronizes their work and plans for the next 24 hours. If the meetings consistently run over the 15-minute timebox and digress into detailed problem-solving discussions, it indicates that the team may not fully understand the purpose and techniques for conducting an effective Daily Scrum. As a Scrum Master, it is important to coach the team and facilitate a discussion to help them understand the goals of the Daily Scrum and find ways to keep the meeting focused and within the timebox. This may involve discussing techniques such as sticking to the three questions (What did I do yesterday? What will I do today? Are there any impediments?), parking detailed discussions for follow-up meetings, and timekeeping. Allowing the Daily Scrums to continue without addressing the issue or strictly enforcing the timebox without facilitating understanding may not lead to a sustainable solution. Taking over the facilitation yourself does not empower the team to self-manage and improve their process.

Correct Answer: Coach the Product Owner on better articulating the Sprint Goal and its importance to the team

The best answer is to coach the Product Owner on better articulating the Sprint Goal and its importance to the team. As a Scrum Master, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Scrum process is followed correctly. The Sprint Goal provides clarity and focus for the Development Team, and it is crucial for them to understand it at the beginning of each Sprint. If the team consistently starts without a clear Sprint Goal, it indicates a problem with how the Product Owner is communicating the goal. By coaching the Product Owner, you can help them improve their ability to articulate the Sprint Goal effectively, which will benefit the entire team. Discussing the issue directly with the Development Team may not address the root cause, accepting the lack of a clear Sprint Goal goes against Scrum principles, and escalating to management should only be done as a last resort if coaching efforts fail.