Facilitating Scrum Events

Correct Answer: Remind the stakeholders that only the Product Owner can prioritize the Product Backlog

In the Scrum framework, only the Product Owner has the authority to prioritize the Product Backlog. This priority is based on the business value, risk, and other factors that affect the end product. While stakeholders can provide input and suggestions, it is ultimately the role of the Product Owner to decide the importance and order of tasks in the backlog. The ScrumMaster should remind stakeholders of this structure. Such a reminder protects the Development Teams from disruptions and interruptions during their Sprints, allowing them to maintain focus and achieve their objectives. On the other hand, Item 2, adding items directly to the Sprint Backlog, is not appropriate as it could disrupt the work and rhythm of the team. Item 3, asking stakeholders to leave the meeting, is not constructive to the communication and collaboration which are key principles of Agile. And lastly, the Development team does not have the authority to prioritize backlog items, thus making Item 4 incorrect too.

Correct Answer: Coach the team on techniques like story splitting and encourage them to collaborate with the Product Owner for clarification

The most effective way for a Scrum Master to facilitate the process of breaking down a large, complex user story during Sprint Planning is to coach the team on techniques like story splitting and encourage them to collaborate with the Product Owner for clarification. This approach empowers the team to take ownership of the process, learn valuable skills, and ensures that the user story is well-understood and properly refined. Breaking down the story themselves or assigning tasks based on skills goes against the self-organizing nature of Scrum teams. Including the large user story in the Sprint without proper breakdown can lead to incomplete work and hinder the team's ability to deliver a potentially releasable increment. Seeking guidance from a technical lead or architect might be helpful, but ultimately, the team should be able to handle the breakdown collaboratively with the Product Owner.

Correct Answer: Gently guide the conversation back to project-related issues, mentioning the time-boxed nature of the Daily Scrum.

The Scrum Master's role is to ensure that the Daily Scrum is efficient and focused on what the team needs to achieve the Sprint Goal. The correct answer supports this by steering the team back to the purpose of the meeting without discouraging open communication. The wrong answers, although related to handling distractions or extending communication avenues, misunderstand the immediate context and requirements of facilitating an effective Daily Scrum.