Effective Feedback

5 minutes 5 Questions

Effective feedback involves transparent, respectful communications of observations, feelings, or needs in response to a team member's work or actions. The Scrum Master's task is to create a trust-based environment where people can give and receive feedback without fear. Effective feedback should be…

Guide to Effective Feedback

What is Effective Feedback?
Effective feedback is a communication process in which information is provided in response to an action or behavior. It forms the cornerstone of better performance, motivation and personal development. It can be both positive (reinforcing desirable behaviors) and constructive (offering suggestions for improvement).

Why is Effective Feedback Important?
Feedback is vital in every form of communication as it tells us whether our message was understood and if there is need for adjustments. In coaching and facilitation, effective feedback promotes learning, change and growth. It improves mutual understanding, helps develop capabilities and corrects unsatisfactory performance.

How Does Effective Feedback Work?
Effective feedback follows specific principles; it should be timely, specific, descriptive, focused on behavior rather than personality, and most importantly is formalized through active dialogue. Feedback works by initiating a gap between current and desired performance, motivating the individual to develop strategies to close the gap.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Effective Feedback
When answering examination questions on effective feedback, remember to:
1. Define the term 'effective feedback' clearly.
2. Discuss the role and importance of effective feedback in coaching and facilitation.
3. Describe the process of effective feedback and the principles it follows.
4. In scenario-based questions, show your ability to apply principles of effective feedback.

Test mode:

Exam (Timed)

Practice (With explanations)

Start practice test

PSM I - Effective Feedback Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Effective Feedback

Question 1

A team member consistently provides feedback in a way that is not constructive and bothers the team. As a Scrum Master, how should you address this issue?

Organize an anonymous feedback session where team members can share their thoughts about each other, including the concerning behavior. Implement a rule where negative feedback can only be shared in written form to ensure it is well thought out and documented. Encourage the team to solve the issue democratically by voting on whether the team member’s feedback style should change. Communicate privately with the team member to discuss the impact of their feedback and encourage a more constructive approach.

Correct Answer: Communicate privately with the team member to discuss the impact of their feedback and encourage a more constructive approach.

In Scrum, it is essential to address non-constructive behaviors directly and positively to foster a culture of openness and respect. Communicating privately with the team member is the most effective way to discuss the impact of their actions without putting them on the spot or embarrassing them in front of peers. This approach respects the individual's dignity and provides a safe space for improvement. The wrong answers, while related to team dynamics and feedback mechanisms, do not adequately address the issue in a manner consistent with Scrum values and may inadvertently create more issues or discomfort within the team.

Question 2

At the end of Retrospective, negative feedback was voiced about the quality of work delivered. As the Scrum Master, how should you facilitate this as a learning opportunity?

Suggest revising the Definition of Done (DoD) without team consensus to ensure higher quality standards. Recommend the team to focus exclusively on addressing technical debt in the next Sprint, sidelining new feature development to improve overall quality. Propose a reduction in the Sprint length to allow for faster feedback cycles on the quality of work delivered. Encourage the team to explore root causes of the quality issues and collaboratively identify actions for improvement.

Correct Answer: Encourage the team to explore root causes of the quality issues and collaboratively identify actions for improvement.

The correct approach involves facilitating a positive, constructive discussion where the team itself identifies the quality issues and collaborates on solutions, fostering ownership and continuous improvement. Revising the Definition of Done or adjusting the Sprint length are actions that might seem beneficial but should involve team consensus and a broader understanding of their impacts. Focusing solely on technical debt may not address the root causes of the quality issues and could neglect important product development opportunities.

Question 3

During a Retrospective, a team member is unable to accept negative feedback about their work from peers. How can you as the Scrum Master facilitate a productive conversation?

Encourage the team to focus on behaviors and outcomes instead of individuals, promoting a constructive environment where feedback is viewed as a mechanism for improvement. Advise the team to document all feedback in written form to be reviewed by management before being shared, ensuring it is constructive. Suggest the team implement a rule where only positive outcomes are discussed during retrospectives to maintain morale. Initiate a process where feedback must be approved by the Scrum Master before being shared in the retrospective to prevent negative impacts.

Correct Answer: Encourage the team to focus on behaviors and outcomes instead of individuals, promoting a constructive environment where feedback is viewed as a mechanism for improvement.

The correct answer promotes a healthy, constructive environment for feedback without silencing concerns or requiring prior censorship, which aligns with Agile principles of openness and respect. The wrong answers suggest methods that could suppress honest feedback, introduce unnecessary bureaucracy, or undermine the team's ability to self-organize and openly discuss improvements.

🎓 Unlock Premium Access

Professional Scrum Master I + ALL Certifications

🎓 Access to ALL Certifications: Study for any certification on our platform with one subscription
2149 Superior-grade Professional Scrum Master I practice questions
Unlimited practice tests across all certifications
Detailed explanations for every question
PSM I: 5 full exams plus all other certification exams
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund if unsatisfied
Risk-Free: 7-day free trial with all premium features!

Start Your Free 7-Day Trial