The Nominal Group Technique encourages participation from all group members and seeks to equalize influence during the decision-making process. The process can be broken down into the following steps:
- Idea Generation: Each person in the team independently writes down their ideas.
- Round-robin Recording: Team members present their ideas to the group one at a time.
- Group Discussion: The group discusses each idea, clarifying details and identifying any pros or cons.
- Voting and Ranking: Each team member independently ranks the ideas, then the idea with the highest rank is selected.
Example: If the Scrum Team needs to decide on which feature to prioritize in the next sprint, the ScrumMaster could facilitate an NGT session. Each team member generates ideas independently, they share them one at a time, the group discusses each feature, and finally, each member ranks the features. The feature with the highest combined rank is prioritized.
2. Multi-voting
Multi-voting is used when the team needs to reduce a large list of options to a smaller list. The steps involved in multi-voting are:
- Initial Voting: Each team member votes for a predetermined number of options.
- Discussion: The group discusses the results of the initial voting round.
- Repeat: The process is repeated until a consensus is reached.
Example: The Scrum Team has a long list of possible improvements from the Retrospective. The ScrumMaster facilitates a multi-voting session where each team member votes for 3 improvements they want to implement in the next sprint. The process is repeated until the team has reduced the list to a number manageable for the sprint.
3. The Delphi Method
The Delphi method is a structured communication technique originally developed as a systematic, interactive forecasting method. The process includes:
- Round 1: Each team member anonymously writes their opinion on the decision at hand.
- Feedback: The ScrumMaster collects all answers, summarizes them, and provides every member anonymous feedback.
- Round 2: The team members adjust their answer based on the provided summary and the process continues until the group reaches an agreement.
Example: The Scrum Team needs to estimate a complex user story. The ScrumMaster facilitates a Delphi session. Each team member writes down an estimation point, the ScrumMaster collects them, provides the range and median. Team members are then given the opportunity to adjust their estimates based on this feedback, and the process continues until a consensus is reached.
These are just a few techniques that can be employed by a Certified ScrumMaster to facilitate group decision making within a Scrum Team. By utilizing these techniques, a fruitful and inclusive conversation can be fostered, ensuring unanimous agreement and understanding across the team which directly leads to a more productive and aligned team. Remember, the key is to facilitate the discussion and let the team come to a collective decision.
Table for comparison:
| Nominal Group Technique | Multi-voting | The Delphi Method | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steps | Idea Generation, Round-robin Recording, Group Discussion, Voting and Ranking | Initial Voting, Discussion, Repeat | Round 1, Feedback, Round 2 (continue until consensus) |
| Use Cases | Prioritizing features | Reducing list of options | Estimating complex user story |
| Advantages | Equality in decision making | Makes large list manageable | Anonymous input prevents bias |
Practice Test
True or False: Brainstorming is a technique for facilitating group decision making.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Brainstorming promotes the generation of ideas and encourages active participation from all team members.
Which of the following are techniques for facilitating group decision making?
- A) Round Robin
- B) Delphi technique
- C) Nominal Group technique
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: These are all methods used to facilitate group decision-making by encouraging communication and idea-sharing in different ways.
True or False: In the Scrum framework, the Scrum Master is the solely responsible for facilitating group decision making.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Although the Scrum Master facilitates meetings and assists the team in decision-making, the whole team is involved in the process of decision-making.
The Fist of Five voting method is a technique used in which of the following?
- A) Conflict resolution
- B) Group decision making
- C) Sprint Planning
- D) Release Planning
Answer: B) Group decision making
Explanation: The Fist of Five voting method is a technique often used to gain consensus in a diverse group, primarily used in group decision-making.
True or False: Consensus decision making is the best technique for all types of group decisions in a Scrum Team.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While consensus decision making can be effective, it may not be suitable for all situations. Other techniques like multi-voting, prioritization, or Fist of Five can also be used based on team dynamics and decision complexity.
Multi-voting technique involves which of the following steps?
- A) Everyone votes on every option
- B) Everyone gets multiple votes
- C) The option with the most votes is selected
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Multi-voting is a technique that allows everyone in a group to have multiple votes and the option with the most votes is often selected.
True or False: Facilitating group decision-making is only needed in the face of conflict.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Facilitating group decision-making is always important, regardless of conflict. It helps to drive consensus, inclusion, and efficiency in decision-making within the team.
One of the roles of a Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is to:
- A) Make decisions on behalf of the team
- B) Facilitate group decision-making
- C) Enforce decisions made by the Product Owner
Answer: B) Facilitate group decision-making
Explanation: The ScrumMaster’s role is to support and facilitate the team, including facilitating group decision-making processes.
True or False: Shared visioning is a technique often used in group decision-making.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: Shared visioning is a technique used to create a common objective or goal, hence it’s used in facilitating group decision-making.
Prioritizing is a technique used in which of the following processes?
- A) Group decision making
- B) Release Planning
- C) Sprint Review
- D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Prioritizing is a crucial technique used often in Scrum, including in group decision-making, release planning, and sprint reviews.
Interview Questions
What are three techniques used to facilitate group decision making in Scrum?
The three techniques used to facilitate group decision making in Scrum are consensus building, multi-voting, and the Delphi Technique.
Describe consensus building as a group decision-making technique in Scrum?
Consensus building involves facilitating a discussion where every group member contributes their thoughts and opinions until the group arrives at an agreement that every member can support.
How does multi-voting aid in decision making within a Scrum team?
Multi-voting is a technique where each team member is given a certain number of votes that they can allocate to the issues or options they feel are most important. This helps surface the most popular or viewed as critical issues and hence supports decision making.
Can you explain the Delphi Technique and how it is used in facilitating group decision making in Scrum?
The Delphi Technique involves gathering opinions and feedback from team members individually and anonymously. The Scrum Master or facilitator then collates and circulates these responses for further rounds of feedback until there’s convergence around an answer or solution.
What role does facilitation play in Scrum methodology?
In Scrum methodology, facilitation helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, decisions are made effectively, and the team is moving towards a common goal. The Scrum Master often plays the role of a facilitator.
What is the role of the Scrum Master in group decision making?
The Scrum Master facilitates discussions, manages conflicts, and ensures that the team reaches a consensus in decision making. They ensure that the group’s decisions align with the team’s and organization’s objectives.
How can a Scrum Master handle disagreements during group decision making?
A Scrum Master can handle disagreements by encouraging open communication, fostering an environment of respect and collaboration, and allowing every member to voice their opinions. They can facilitate discussions, focus on facts, and help the team understand the impacts of different decision options.
How can the Scrum Master ensure that all team members participate in decision making?
The Scrum Master can ensure everyone’s involvement in decision-making by fostering an open and respectful team culture, using decision-making techniques that promote active participation like multi-voting and consensus building, and by creating safe spaces where every member feels comfortable expressing their thoughts.
How does the Scrum Master take care of minority views during decision making?
The Scrum Master can consider everyone’s opinions, even minority views, by ensuring that every team member has a secure and respectful space to voice their thoughts and ideas. They can use techniques like the Delphi method that allows for anonymous feedback to ensure all points of view are considered.
How does a Scrum team ensure transparency in its decision-making process?
Scrum teams emphasize maintaining a clear and open line of communication. They employ techniques like multi-voting and consensus building to ensure that all team members participate in decision making. Also, Scrum artifacts like the Product Backlog and Sprint Backlog, which are regularly updated and made visible to all, further contribute to decision-making transparency.
What is the advantage of using the Delphi technique in group decision making in Scrum?
The Delphi technique facilitates unbiased decision making as it allows every individual to provide anonymous feedback. It helps to reduce the influence of group dynamics or stronger personalities on the decision-making process, ultimately arriving at a decision that considers all feedback.
How is the multi-voting technique beneficial to the Scrum team’s decision-making process?
Multi-voting technique gives every team member a voice and an equal opportunity to influence the decision-making process. This makes the decision more democratic and inclusive, which can boost team morale and commitment.
How can consensus building contribute to better decision making in a Scrum team?
Consensus building ensures that a decision is only made once every team member agrees on it. This not only makes the decision more comprehensive but also encourages team members to commit more strongly to the decision’s implementation because they were part of its creation.
What role does conflict management play in group decision making in Scrum?
Conflict management is crucial in group decision making as differences in viewpoints are common. The effective management of conflicts, often facilitated by the Scrum Master, can contribute to better, more well-rounded decisions as it encourages the consideration of various perspectives.
How can a Scrum Master assist a group in reaching a consensus?
A Scrum Master can facilitate the reaching of consensus by encouraging open communication and active listening within the group. They can guide the conversation, remind the group to focus on facts, and check-in regularly to see if the group has reached a consensus. They can also handle disagreements and conflicts to ensure a cordial and productive environment.
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