Understanding Self-Management in Scrum Teams
Self-management is a core principle in Scrum that empowers teams to make decisions about how they work. Self-managing Scrum Teams are accountable for all aspects of their work, including planning, execution, and delivery. Understanding the behaviors that exemplify self-management is critical for Scrum Masters and team members alike.
Exam Question
Describe two examples of behaviors that self-managing Scrum Teams exhibit.
Correct Answer
1. The Developers select their own work during the Sprint.
2. The Developers make decisions on how to achieve the Sprint Goal without needing external direction.
Explanation
Example 1: The Developers Select Their Own Work During the Sprint
In a self-managing Scrum Team, Developers are empowered to choose the work they will take on during the Sprint. This is evident in how they interact during Sprint Planning and throughout the Sprint:
- Sprint Planning: During Sprint Planning, the Developers collaboratively select Product Backlog items they will work on to achieve the Sprint Goal. They assess their capacity, the complexity of tasks, and dependencies among tasks to make informed decisions.
- During the Sprint: As the Sprint progresses, Developers continue to select tasks from the Sprint Backlog based on the flow of work and team capacity. This autonomy allows them to adapt quickly to changes, such as unanticipated challenges or new insights.
Example 2: The Developers Make Decisions on How to Achieve the Sprint Goal
Self-managing Scrum Teams are responsible for determining how to accomplish their work:
- Problem-Solving: Developers engage in problem-solving without needing external direction. When faced with obstacles or technical challenges, they collaboratively discuss potential solutions and decide on the best course of action.
- Adapting Work Processes: If the team finds that a certain approach is not working effectively, they have the autonomy to adapt their work processes. For example, they might decide to switch to a different tool, adjust their workflow, or redistribute tasks among team members to better align with the Sprint Goal.
Relevance to the PSM III Exam
The PSM III exam requires a deep understanding of Scrum principles, including self-management. Knowing the specific behaviors that demonstrate self-management helps in recognizing and fostering these traits within Scrum Teams, ensuring they can deliver value effectively and adapt to change.
Key Takeaways
- Self-managing teams are autonomous in selecting and managing their work throughout the Sprint.
- Developers make decisions on how to achieve the Sprint Goal without needing external direction.
- Autonomy fosters adaptability, enabling teams to respond to challenges and changes efficiently.
Conclusion
Self-management is a cornerstone of Scrum that enables teams to be flexible, responsive, and efficient. By empowering Developers to select their own work and make decisions on how to achieve their goals, Scrum Teams can better navigate the complexities of product development. For more insights into self-management and other key Scrum practices, visit our Scrum Master PSM III™ Exam Prep.
