PSM II Practice Question

Resolving Scrum Team Conflicts over Definition of Done

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Question

A few members of the Scrum Team discuss work that is not being done. Some say it is part of the Definition of Done; others say it isn’t. After an hour of angry discussion, someone starts making personal insults and the anger level goes way up. What is the best action for the Scrum Master to take? (choose the best answer)

Answer

  • C. Conduct a session to help the entire team resolve the conflict, create a uniform Definition of Done, and become effective again. Remind the team that conflicting ideas are natural, but making it personal doesn’t help.

Explanation

The correct answer is C because it emphasizes the importance of conflict resolution and team cohesion. In Scrum, it is essential that all team members have a shared understanding of the Definition of Done (DoD). By facilitating a session to resolve this conflict, the Scrum Master ensures that the team can come together to create a uniform DoD, which is crucial for maintaining quality and consistency in deliverables. Additionally, reminding the team that conflicting ideas are a natural part of collaboration helps to foster a safe environment where team members can express their opinions without fear of personal attacks. This approach promotes a culture of open communication and respect, which is vital for a successful Scrum Team. On the other hand, ignoring the conflict or allowing it to escalate without intervention would lead to further division and ineffective teamwork, hindering the team's ability to deliver value effectively.

Expert Author

SC

Sarah Chen

Certified Scrum Master & Agile Coach

Sprint ceremonies, team facilitation, impediment removal

Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option A (Ignore the situation) is incorrect because ignoring conflict can lead to unresolved issues that diminish team effectiveness. Option B (Encourage team members to agree to disagree) is not a solution, as it leaves the conflict unresolved and doesn't ensure a shared understanding of the DoD. Option D (Side with the majority opinion) is also wrong because it disregards the input of all team members and can lead to resentment and decreased morale, ultimately damaging collaboration and trust within the team.
Real-World Application
In a Scrum team, during a sprint review, team members disagreed on what should be included in the Definition of Done. The Scrum Master organized a meeting to discuss the points of contention. Through facilitated discussions, the team was able to reach a consensus on their DoD, which improved their collaboration and product quality in subsequent sprints.
Common Pitfalls
  • Failing to address conflicts promptly
  • Allowing personal attacks during discussions
  • Not facilitating a shared understanding of the Definition of Done
  • Ignoring the emotional dynamics within the team
  • Overlooking the importance of team cohesion

Key Concepts

Definition of Done Conflict Resolution Team Collaboration Scrum Master Responsibilities Empirical Process Control

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section 3.4: The Definition of Done

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