Facilitating Mid-Sprint Stakeholder Feedback
Effective facilitation of discussions with stakeholders is crucial to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with stakeholder expectations. This scenario involves a mid-Sprint feedback session, which requires understanding the flexibility and rules within the Scrum framework.
Exam Question
A Product Backlog item has met the Scrum Team’s Definition of Done halfway through the Sprint. The item is especially important to one particular stakeholder, and the Scrum Team decides to show the Increment containing the item to the stakeholder for feedback, rather than wait until the Sprint Review.
How should this discussion be facilitated?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Scrum Master should facilitate the session because they are the expert at facilitation.
B. The Scrum Team should organize a special, formal mid-Sprint Sprint Review that gives all the Scrum Team’s stakeholders the opportunity to attend.
C. Anyone on the Scrum Team can facilitate a session with the stakeholder.
D. This breaks the rules of Scrum – inspection of increments must only happen at the Sprint Review.
E. The Product Owner should have a separate session with the stakeholder so the rest of the Scrum Team can focus on the rest of the Development work in the Sprint.
Correct Answer
C. Anyone on the Scrum Team can facilitate a session with the stakeholder.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C. Anyone on the Scrum Team can facilitate a session with the stakeholder:
In Scrum, flexibility and collaboration are key. While formal feedback is typically gathered during the Sprint Review, there is nothing in the Scrum Guide that prohibits gathering feedback at other times if it benefits the development process. This approach ensures continuous feedback and alignment with stakeholder needs without disrupting the Sprint.
Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant
A. The Scrum Master should facilitate the session because they are the expert at facilitation:
While the Scrum Master is skilled in facilitation, this task does not necessarily require their involvement. Any team member can facilitate the session effectively.
B. The Scrum Team should organize a special, formal mid-Sprint Sprint Review that gives all the Scrum Team’s stakeholders the opportunity to attend:
Organizing a formal review for all stakeholders mid-Sprint is not necessary and can be disruptive. The feedback session can be informal and focused on the specific stakeholder.
D. This breaks the rules of Scrum – inspection of increments must only happen at the Sprint Review:
The Scrum Guide does not restrict inspections to the Sprint Review. Feedback can be gathered anytime to improve the product.
E. The Product Owner should have a separate session with the stakeholder so the rest of the Scrum Team can focus on the rest of the Development work in the Sprint:
While the Product Owner is responsible for stakeholder communication, involving the whole team in such sessions can provide valuable insights and ensure everyone understands the feedback.
Benefits of Mid-Sprint Feedback
- Continuous Improvement: Regular feedback helps in making timely adjustments, ensuring the product meets stakeholder expectations.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Involving stakeholders more frequently can build stronger relationships and better understand their needs.
- Early Problem Detection: Identifying issues early in the Sprint allows for quicker resolution, reducing the risk of rework later.
PSF Skills Insights
- Facilitation Skills: Effective facilitators ensure that feedback sessions are productive and focused.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Regular engagement with stakeholders ensures their needs are continuously met and improves product alignment.
- Continuous Improvement: Facilitating regular feedback sessions fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the Scrum Team.
Relevance to the PSF Skills Exam
Understanding the flexibility in Scrum for stakeholder engagement and feedback is crucial for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to facilitate effective feedback sessions and continuous improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Anyone on the Scrum Team can facilitate a mid-Sprint feedback session with a stakeholder.
- Regular feedback sessions support continuous improvement and better alignment with stakeholder needs.
- Flexibility in gathering feedback helps in early problem detection and quicker resolution.
Conclusion
Facilitating mid-Sprint feedback sessions allows for continuous improvement and ensures that the Scrum Team remains aligned with stakeholder needs. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
