Cross-functionality

Correct Answer: Organize a joint backlog refinement session where the product owner and the development team can negotiate and prioritize items in the backlog.

The best approach for a ScrumMaster when the product owner wants to add more features to an already overwhelmed development team is to organize a joint backlog refinement session. This allows for discussion, negotiation, and prioritization of items in the backlog, maintaining communication and consensus within the team. Communication and negotiation are key principles in Scrum methodology, and this method respects these principles without overburdening the development team. The other options are not viable because they either disregard the capacity and well-being of the development team or the prioritization process, both of which are crucial to Scrum methodology. 'Advise the product owner to add the new features without consulting the team' dismisses the importance of communication and consensus. 'Cancel some ongoing tasks to make room for new features.' is unfeasible as it disrupts the flow of the ongoing sprint. 'Ask the development team to work overtime to complete the backlog.' compromises the team's work-life balance and is contrary to Scrum's principle of sustainable development pace.

Correct Answer: Pair junior members with senior teammates to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.

As a ScrumMaster, the best approach to ensure cross-functionality is to 'Pair junior members with senior teammates to facilitate knowledge transfer and skill development.' This approach encourages collaboration and continuously improves the skill set of junior members, fostering a cross-functional team. 'Assign simple tasks to junior members and complex tasks to senior members.' doesn't facilitate cross-functionality as the junior members are not given opportunities to learn and tackle complex tasks. 'Ask junior members to self-study and improve their skills.' is ineffective as learning in a team context can be more beneficial. Finally, 'Hire more senior team members to take over complex tasks.' isn't reasonable because the objective is to improve the capabilities of existing team members and foster a balanced team, rather than replacing members with more skills.

Correct Answer: Coach the individual on the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing for team success

Addressing the team member's isolating behavior through coaching is essential to promote collaboration and cross-functionality within the team. By helping them understand the importance of knowledge sharing and teamwork, the ScrumMaster fosters an environment where all team members contribute to and benefit from shared expertise. This approach aligns with Scrum principles of self-organizing teams and continuous improvement, ensuring that the team works cohesively towards common goals.