Facilitating the Creation of the Sprint Goal

Creating the Sprint Goal is a collaborative activity that sets the direction for the Sprint. Facilitating this process effectively ensures that the entire Scrum Team is aligned and committed to achieving the goal.

Exam Question

How should the creation of the Sprint Goal be facilitated?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Sprint Goal is created before the Sprint by the Product Owner; its creation is not something that needs a facilitated group discussion.
B. Once the Product Backlog items for the Sprint are selected, a discussion should be facilitated to articulate a Sprint Goal.
C. Applying any technique that enables the whole Scrum Team to collaboratively create the Sprint Goal before the end of the Sprint Planning event.
D. At the start of Sprint Planning, a fist-of-five should be used to check consensus on the order of the Product Backlog. If there is consensus, completing the top items becomes the goal for the next Sprint.

Correct Answer

C. Applying any technique that enables the whole Scrum Team to collaboratively create the Sprint Goal before the end of the Sprint Planning event.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C. Applying any technique that enables the whole Scrum Team to collaboratively create the Sprint Goal before the end of the Sprint Planning event:
The creation of the Sprint Goal should involve the entire Scrum Team. This collaborative process ensures that everyone understands the goal and is committed to achieving it. Various facilitation techniques can be used to guide this discussion, such as brainstorming, dot voting, or affinity mapping. The key is to ensure that the team reaches a consensus on a clear and achievable Sprint Goal before the Sprint Planning event concludes.

Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant

A. The Sprint Goal is created before the Sprint by the Product Owner; its creation is not something that needs a facilitated group discussion:
This approach goes against the collaborative nature of Scrum. The Sprint Goal should be a team effort, involving input from Developers and the Product Owner to ensure alignment and commitment.

B. Once the Product Backlog items for the Sprint are selected, a discussion should be facilitated to articulate a Sprint Goal:
While this option suggests a discussion, it does not emphasize the collaborative creation of the Sprint Goal. The Sprint Goal should be crafted with input from all team members, not just based on selected backlog items.

D. At the start of Sprint Planning, a fist-of-five should be used to check consensus on the order of the Product Backlog. If there is consensus, completing the top items becomes the goal for the next Sprint:
This approach focuses on the order of backlog items rather than collaboratively defining a Sprint Goal. The goal should encapsulate the purpose of the Sprint and align with the overall product vision, not just be a reflection of the top backlog items.

Benefits of Collaborative Sprint Goal Creation

• Alignment: Ensures that the whole team is working towards a common objective.
• Commitment: Increases buy-in and accountability from all team members.
• Clarity: Provides a clear focus for the Sprint, guiding the team’s efforts.

PSF Skills Exam Insights

Understanding the importance of collaborative Sprint Goal creation is crucial for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to facilitate effective Sprint Planning sessions, ensuring team alignment and commitment.

Key Takeaways

• The Sprint Goal should be created collaboratively by the entire Scrum Team.
• Effective facilitation techniques can help ensure that the team reaches a consensus on the Sprint Goal.
• Collaborative goal creation enhances alignment, commitment, and clarity.

Conclusion

Facilitating the creation of the Sprint Goal involves guiding the Scrum Team to collaboratively define a clear and achievable objective for the Sprint. This process ensures that the team is aligned and committed to the goal, leading to more focused and productive Sprints. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.