ScrumMaster Roles and Responsibilities

Correct Answer: Whenever the product owner, development team or organization gains more clarity or changes its requirements.

The correct answer is 'Whenever the product owner, development team or organization gains more clarity or changes its requirements.' The definition of 'Done' should be consistent and only be revised after a discussion with the team including the product owner. As per the Agile methodology, it is crucial that understanding of user requirements are refined and the process adapts to these refinements. Hence, if there is more clarity or changes in the requirements, 'Done' should be accordingly revised. The other answers are incorrect because: - 'Whenever the sprint deadline is approaching and it looks like the team will not meet its commitments.' : This statement implies that the definition of 'Done' can be changed to meet deadlines which is not ideal within Agile or Scrum methodologies. The goal should always be aiming for quality and completeness. - 'At your discretion, without consulting the team or the product owner.': The ScrumMaster does not have the authority to singly define 'Done'. It should be a mutually agreed definition between the team and the product owner. Also, the approach of a ScrumMaster should be of a servant leader, and he/she should be facilitative rather than directive. - 'Whenever a team member suggests a change, regardless of the impact.': Changes should be accepted only after the impact is properly understood. Accepting changes without understanding the impact leads to chaos and does not assure quality. It is critical within Agile and Scrum methodologies to understand the impact of changes before accepting them.

Correct Answer: Encourage the team to discuss the suggestion, its potential impact, and collectively decide on the best course of action.

As a Scrum Master, it is crucial to facilitate open communication and collaboration within the team. When a team member suggests a change that may impact the team's productivity, the best approach is to encourage the team to discuss the suggestion, its potential impact, and collectively decide on the best course of action. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment among team members, allowing them to make informed decisions together. Rejecting the suggestion outright or implementing the change without consulting the team goes against the principles of Scrum and undermines the team's autonomy. Similarly, relying solely on a majority vote without considering the potential impact and discussing concerns may lead to suboptimal decisions. The Scrum Master's role is to facilitate the discussion, ensure all perspectives are heard, and guide the team towards a consensus-based decision that aligns with the Scrum values and principles.

Correct Answer: Speak with the individual privately to understand if there are any impediments affecting their performance.

The best way to handle an underperforming team member as a ScrumMaster is to, 'Speak with the individual privately to understand if there are any impediments affecting their performance.' This approach is the most respectful and efficient way to handle the situation. It includes addressing the issue directly with the individual involved without embarrassing them in front of the whole team or raising the issue unnecessarily to the product owner. This private conversation allows for open communication where the team member can explain their side and together both can figure out supportive measures. The other options are not the best. Expressing the concerns in the Daily Scrum meeting could lead to an uncomfortable environment for everybody and may be deemed unprofessional. Escalating the issue to the product owner is not warranted at this stage, as the ScrumMaster should first attempt to resolve this issue within the team. Finally, setting higher expectations for the individual in the next sprint planning meeting does not necessarily address the root cause of the underperformance and may result in increased pressure on the individual, potentially leading to further underperformance or resentment.