One of their main duties is to handle impediments that arise, blocking or slowing down the progress of the Scrum Team. The following section discusses two primary ways in which the Scrum Master assists a Scrum Team with impediments, supporting the swift and efficient completion of projects:
1. Proactively Identifying and Removing Impediments:
A Scrum Master isn’t just a reactive force but is also proactive. They attempt to identify potential impediments before they become a blocking issue for the team. This anticipation and pre-emptive action can save the team considerable time and energy, accelerating their progress towards meeting Sprint Goals.
For example, suppose there’s a tool or software the Scrum Team needs to complete a task, and securing it requires a lengthy procurement process. In that case, the Scrum Master will proactively initiate the process in advance. This action will allow the team to have the required tool or software when they need it, preventing a potential delay.
Another example could be, if the Scrum Master foresees a resource allocation problem that might arise due to a team member going on a planned leave, they can take steps in advance to manage this issue, like adjusting the work allocation or arranging a temporary substitute for that period.
| Proactive Steps by Scrum Master | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Initiate procurement process in advance | The required tool or software is available on time |
| Adjust work allocation or arrange a temporary substitute in case of planned leaves | Prevents resource allocation problems |
2. Solving Impediments through Negotiation and Mediation:
The Scrum Master’s role in serving as a mediator or negotiator proves beneficial when removing impediments. The Scrum Master may negotiate with stakeholders, product owners, or even the Scrum Team to resolve issues causing bottlenecks in the workflow.
For instance, suppose a stakeholder is incessantly asking for changes that aren’t aligned with the product backlog or Sprint goals. In that case, the Scrum Master can negotiate with that stakeholder to ensure the team isn’t unnecessarily distracted or delayed. They can mediate these requests and emphasize the importance of adhering to the Sprint goals, managing stakeholders’ expectations while keeping the Scrum Team focused on their work.
Another example is if a conflict within the Scrum Team is causing an impediment to productivity. The Scrum Master can step in as a mediator to resolve this conflict and ensure a harmonious and productive working environment.
| Scrum Master’s Mediation and Negotiation role | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Negotiate with stakeholders to manage their requests and expectations | Keeps Scrum Team focused by reducing unnecessary distractions |
| Mediate conflicts within the Scrum Team | Ensures a harmonious and productive working environment |
In conclusion, in the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) exam, you’ll need to understand and demonstrate your knowledge on how a Scrum Master identifies and tackles impediments. A prudent Scrum Master understands the intricate ways in which impediments can be handled, ensuring a smoother, more efficient progression for their Scrum Team. Whether it’s through proactive identification or expert mediation and negotiation, a Scrum Master’s role in dealing with impediments is a crucial factor in determining the team’s overall success in achieving their Sprint goals.
Practice Test
The Scrum Master’s primary role is to be a manager and to control the team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Scrum Master’s primary role is facilitator, not manager. They help the team self-organize and to remove potential obstacles or impediments.
The Scrum Master assists the team by clearing impediments to the team’s progress.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Addressing and eliminating obstacles that are preventing the team from reaching its goals is one of the key ways the Scrum Master aids the team.
A Scrum Master’s responsibility is to:
- a. Solve all problems for the team
- b. Clear obstacles for the team
- c. Assign tasks to team members
- d. Control how the team members do their work
Answer: b. Clear obstacles for the team
Explanation: One of the Scrum Master’s primary roles is to assist the team by removing impediments and facilitating agile practices, not by controlling or micro-managing the team.
Which of the following is NOT a way a Scrum Master assists the team with impediments?
- a. Actively seeking out and removing impediments proactively
- b. Supporting the team in realizing and resolving their own impediments
- c. Assigning tasks to each team member
- d. Facilitating team communication and collaboration
Answer: c. Assigning tasks to each team member
Explanation: The Scrum Master does not assign tasks to team members. That is the responsibility of the team itself as per Agile methodologies.
The role of the Scrum Master includes providing solutions for all challenges or problems that the team faces.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Scrum Master helps the team find their own solutions to problems, rather than providing them directly.
The Scrum Master acts as a buffer between the Scrum team and external impediments.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Scrum Master helps the team by keeping them insulated from interruptions and concerns that could derail their work.
A Scrum Master does not assist in resolving internal team conflict or impediments.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Scrum Master can indeed assist with this. They help facilitate communication and resolution of disagreements within the team.
A Scrum Master’s role includes making decisions for the team when it comes to roadblocks.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Scrum Master helps facilitate the team to make their own decisions and reach consensus, they do not make decisions for them.
The Scrum Master’s focus should be on:
- a. Resolving issues independently
- b. Empowering the team to resolve issues
- c. Avoiding issues and challenges
- d. Ignoring issues as they arise
Answer: b. Empowering the team to resolve issues
Explanation: A Scrum Master’s key role is to empower the team and facilitate their ability to self-organize and solve problems.
A key responsibility of the Scrum Master is to facilitate the team’s communication with stakeholders.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: This is one of the ways the Scrum Master aids the team, ensuring clear, effective communication between the team and stakeholders.
The Scrum Master should always have more technical knowledge than the rest of the team members to clear impediments.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While a Scrum Master may have technical knowledge, their main role is one of facilitation and removing obstacles, not necessarily solving technical problems.
It is a Scrum Master’s responsibility to improve the productivity of the Scrum Team by eliminating impediments to their progress.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Scrum Masters help their teams become more effective by identifying and removing things that are getting in their way.
The Scrum Master’s interference in the daily scrum meetings helps to resolve the impediments faster.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The role of the Scrum Master during daily scrum meetings is more of a facilitator rather than an active participant.
The Scrum Master should always be responsible for resolving all team conflicts.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The Scrum Master helps facilitate the resolution of conflicts, but it’s ultimately the team’s responsibility to resolve them.
Scrum Masters are required to shield the team from changes to the Scrum Backlog that can disrupt the team’s workflow.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the key services of a Scrum Master is to protect the team from disruptions that could throw off their focus and productivity.
Interview Questions
What is the primary role of a Scrum Master when it comes to Scrum Team’s impediments?
The primary role of a Scrum Master addressing the Scrum Team’s impediments is to assist the team by identifying, tracking, and helping to remove them.
How does a Scrum Master aid in impediment removal?
The Scrum Master aids in impediment removal by first recognising what the impediments are, then using their Scrum and agile knowledge to propose potential solutions, and finally by acting as a facilitator to help the team remove the obstacles preventing them from achieving their Sprint Goals.
In handling impediments, should the Scrum Master always remove the obstacles for the team?
While the Scrum Master should assist in removing impediments, it’s not always necessary for them to do it themselves. They can help the team by empowering them to overcome obstacles independently.
Can the Scrum Master assist in removing impediments even if they are external to the team?
Yes, the Scrum Master can also assist in removing impediments that come from outside of the Scrum Team by negotiating with persons or authorities external to the team.
What can a Scrum Master do if an impediment is outside their control?
If an impediment is outside the Scrum Master’s control, they can escalate the issue to those who have the authority to remove it, such as senior management or company leadership.
How does the daily Scrum help in identifying and removing impediments?
During the Daily Scrum, the team discusses what they did the previous day, what they are planning to do next, and any roadblocks they are facing. This aids in early identification of blockers, which the Scrum Master can then assist in resolving.
How can a Scrum Master help the team with technical impediments?
The Scrum Master can help the team solve technical impediments by bringing in the right people, resources, and knowledge, or by facilitating brainstorming sessions for the team to find solutions.
Besides removing impediments, how else can a Scrum Master assist the Scrum Team?
Besides removing impediments, a Scrum Master also coaches the team in self-organization, facilitates Scrum events, negotiates with the Product Owner and stakeholders, and helps the team uphold Scrum values and principles.
How can a Scrum Master handle organizational impediments?
A Scrum Master can handle organizational impediments by working with the higher management, creating awareness on the issues that are impeding the team, and advocating for changes that will remove these challenges.
How does the Scrum Master’s role as a facilitator assist in dealing with impediments?
As a facilitator, the Scrum Master helps the team arrive at their solutions to impediments, rather than dictating what the solution should be. This can lead to better team collaboration, learning and ownership.
What would a Scrum Master do if there are persistent impediments that are continually slowing the team’s progress?
The Scrum Master would continually work to eliminate these roadblocks, collaborating with the team and other relevant parties to come up with lasting solutions. They may need to look at changing certain practices, processes or even the team’s culture to do so.
Are Scrum Masters responsible for deciding how an impediment will be addressed?
No, the Scrum Master is not solely responsible for deciding how the impediment is addressed. They will facilitate the team’s discussions and decisions, empowering the team to solve their obstacles.
Can the Scrum Master use the product backlog to manage impediments?
Yes, the Scrum Master can use the product backlog to manage impediments. They can help the Product Owner or the team prioritize the backlog such that resolving the impediments becomes part of the team’s commitments in a Sprint.
What key quality should a Scrum Master possess to assist the team with impediments?
The Scrum Master should possess good problem-solving skills, as this helps them facilitate the team’s impediment removal process.
How does the Scrum Master’s role as a ‘servant leader’ assist the team with impediments?
As a servant leader, the Scrum Master focuses on the growth and well-being of the team members, supporting them in overcoming challenges, including removing impediments that hinder their progress.
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