Spotify model

Correct Answer: Create a role of 'Mission Leader' who ensures that squads maintain focus on their primary task.

The best solution would be to 'Create a role of 'Mission Leader' who ensures that squads maintain focus on their primary task.' This would ensure a single point of responsibility for keeping the mission focus sharp, reducing the chance of context-switching. The role will not only oversee the tasks, but also act as a supporter and motivator to keep the squads encouraged and focused on the mission. The other answers are not as effective. 'Increase the number of squads to reduce the workload on each.' might reduce the load, but it does not necessarily solve the issue of context-switching and might result in more fragmentation. 'Ask squads to stop current work and reassess their mission.' might disrupt the workflow and result in loss of productivity. And finally, 'Instruct squads to take breaks more frequently to avoid burnout.' While breaks are important, frequent interrupting of work might actually lead to more context switching, defeating the purpose.

Correct Answer: Conduct a retrospective to identify the root causes and develop an action plan to improve their processes and practices.

The most effective approach for the squad to address their performance issues is to conduct a retrospective. A retrospective allows the team to openly discuss and identify the root causes behind their failure to deliver on commitments and meet goals. By understanding the underlying problems, the squad can then develop a targeted action plan to improve their processes, practices, and ways of working. This could involve adjusting their workflow, improving communication and collaboration, removing impediments, or acquiring necessary skills or resources. Retrospectives promote a culture of continuous improvement and empower the squad to take ownership of their performance. While other options like replacing the Squad Lead, re-assessing objectives, or adding more resources might help in some cases, they do not directly address the fundamental issues affecting the squad's performance. The retrospective approach is more likely to lead to sustainable improvements driven by the squad itself.

Correct Answer: They can temporarily borrow someone from another Squad who has the skill.

The best answer is 'They can temporarily borrow someone from another Squad who has the skill.'. The Spotify model is built around agile methodologies and the concept of squads. Squads are self-organizing, cross-functional teams. If a certain skill is lacking, it makes sense for a squad to borrow a member temporarily from another squad that has the required skill-set. This way, squads maintain their autonomy and agility. The other answers are not ideal. For instance, 'The squad should manage without the skill.' contradicts the concept of cross-functionality in squads. 'They should immediately recruit a new permanent member with that skill.' may not be practical or efficient in the short term. 'Only a Scrum Master can join from another Squad.' is incorrect because any team member with the needed skill can join, not just a Scrum Master.