Power Dynamics Management

Correct Answer: Communicate with the individual professionally while reinforcing the Scrum values

The best course of action for a Scrum Master whose authority is being undermined by a team member is to communicate with the individual professionally while reinforcing the Scrum values. This approach is the most consistent with the principles of Scrum, which emphasize collaboration, communication, and respect among team members. Asserting authority and dismissing the member from the team is against the Scrum values and it could create hostility and tension within the team hence be counterproductive. Accusing the individual in front of the entire team could also jeopardize relationships within the team and create a hostile working environment. Lastly, ignoring the situation is not advisable as it can lead to further complications.

Correct Answer: Create a safe space for everyone to share their ideas, and guide the team member to control their dominant nature

The best way to handle a dominant team member in a Scrum meeting is to create a safe environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. As a Scrum Master, you are the facilitator of the discussion and it is important to guide each team member towards collaboration rather than overpowering others' views. Ignoring the issue hoping it will resolve on its own (second answer) is not a proactive or productive solution. Allowing the dominant individual to lead the discussion every time (third answer) only enhances the power dynamic and can discourage other team members from contributing. Private reprimanding of the team member for their behavior (fourth answer) may not be effective as it does not address the root cause of the issue or help build a collaborative team environment.

Correct Answer: Encourage an open discussion where the team can express their concerns and the Product Owner can clarify the business value, ultimately seeking a consensus.

The best approach here is to encourage an open discussion where the development team can express their concerns about the feature and the Product Owner can clarify the business value it brings. As a Scrum Master, your role is to facilitate communication and help the team reach a consensus, not to take sides or make decisions for them. Siding with either party or forcing a compromise without a discussion goes against the principles of collaboration and self-organization in Scrum. The goal should be to have a transparent conversation, understand each perspective, and find a solution that everyone agrees with.