Addressing Growing Impediments in a Scrum Team
Impediments can significantly hinder the progress and efficiency of a Scrum Team. When facing a growing list of impediments, it’s crucial to adopt effective techniques to address and resolve these issues.
Exam Question
A Scrum Team is experiencing a growing list of impediments. Which techniques would be most helpful in this situation? (choose the best two answers)
- A. The Scrum Master discusses the impediments with the Scrum Team.
- B. As a Scrum Team, prioritize the list and work on them in order.
- C. Arranging a triage meeting with management.
- D. The Product Owner should add the open impediments to the Product Backlog.
Correct Answers
A. The Scrum Master discusses the impediments with the Scrum Team.
B. As a Scrum Team, prioritize the list and work on them in order.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. The Scrum Master discusses the impediments with the Scrum Team:
The Scrum Master is responsible for removing impediments that hinder the Scrum Team’s progress. By discussing the impediments with the team, the Scrum Master can help identify, understand, and prioritize the issues. This collaborative approach ensures that all team members are aware of the impediments and can contribute to finding solutions.
Why B is Correct
B. As a Scrum Team, prioritize the list and work on them in order:
Prioritizing impediments helps the team focus on resolving the most critical issues first. By working together to prioritize and address impediments in order, the team can systematically reduce obstacles and improve overall efficiency. This approach ensures that the most impactful impediments are dealt with promptly, facilitating smoother progress.
Why C and D are Incorrect
C. Arranging a triage meeting with management: While involving management might sometimes be necessary, it is not the first step. The Scrum Team should initially attempt to resolve impediments internally. Frequent reliance on management can undermine the self-managing nature of the Scrum Team.
D. The Product Owner should add the open impediments to the Product Backlog: Impediments are not Product Backlog items. They should be tracked separately and addressed as they arise. Adding impediments to the Product Backlog could distract from delivering valuable increments and blur the lines between development work and problem resolution.
Key Points
- Collaboration: Effective discussion and collaboration within the Scrum Team are essential for identifying and resolving impediments.
- Prioritization: Prioritizing impediments ensures that the team focuses on the most critical issues first, enhancing overall productivity.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the best techniques for addressing growing impediments is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of collaboration, prioritization, and the Scrum Master’s role in facilitating problem resolution.
Conclusion
When a Scrum Team faces a growing list of impediments, the most effective techniques involve discussing the issues with the team and prioritizing them to address the most critical ones first. This collaborative and systematic approach helps ensure that impediments are resolved efficiently, enabling the team to maintain productivity and deliver valuable increments.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
