Gauging Consensus within the Scrum Team
When a Scrum Team needs to gauge consensus on a proposal, such as deciding on a team meal, using effective facilitation techniques can help ensure that everyone’s opinion is considered.
Exam Question
The Scrum Team finished their Sprint and received positive feedback from their customers and stakeholders – time to celebrate! One team member suggests going for a team meal at the local pizza shop. As a Scrum Team member, you are unsure if everyone agrees with this proposal. You decide to gauge the level of consensus.
Which technique do you apply?
(choose the best answer)
A. Dot Voting.
B. Shift & Share.
C. White Elephant.
D. Fist of Five.
E. 1-2-4-All.
Correct Answer
D. Fist of Five.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Fist of Five:
The Fist of Five is a simple and effective technique for gauging consensus within a team. Each team member holds up a number of fingers (from 0 to 5) to indicate their level of agreement with the proposal, where 0 means strong disagreement and 5 means strong agreement. This method allows for quick and visual feedback and helps identify if there are any reservations or concerns about the decision.
Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant
A. Dot Voting:
Dot Voting is a method for prioritizing a list of items or ideas, not for gauging consensus on a single proposal. Each participant is given a number of dots to allocate to their preferred options.
B. Shift & Share:
Shift & Share is a facilitation technique used to share and build on ideas by rotating groups or pairs. It is not designed for quickly gauging consensus on a proposal.
C. White Elephant:
The White Elephant technique is used to identify and discuss low-value items that may be removed or de-emphasized. It does not fit the context of gauging consensus on a team decision.
E. 1-2-4-All:
1-2-4-All is an inclusive facilitation technique for generating and refining ideas in progressively larger groups. While it encourages participation, it is more complex and time-consuming than necessary for a quick consensus check.
Key Considerations for Gauging Consensus
- Quick Feedback: Fist of Five provides immediate visual feedback and is efficient for quick decisions.
- Inclusive Participation: Every team member can express their level of agreement, ensuring that all voices are heard.
- Identify Concerns: Helps to quickly identify if there are any strong objections or concerns that need to be addressed.
PSF Skills Exam Insights
Understanding and applying the Fist of Five technique is crucial for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to facilitate consensus and ensure that team decisions are made inclusively and effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Fist of Five is a quick and effective technique for gauging consensus within a team.
- It allows for immediate visual feedback and helps to identify any concerns or objections.
- Ensures inclusive participation and supports effective team decision-making.
Conclusion
Using the Fist of Five technique helps Scrum Teams quickly gauge consensus on proposals, ensuring that all team members have a voice in the decision-making process. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
