Study PSM I Scrum Master Stances: key concepts, common traps, and exam decision cues.
The Scrum Master does not lead by assigning work or controlling outcomes. PSM I questions often ask which Scrum Master stance fits the moment best: teaching, facilitation, or coaching.
| Situation | Stronger Scrum Master stance |
|---|---|
| Team is misusing a Scrum event | teaching |
| Group needs help holding a useful conversation | facilitation |
| Team has the knowledge but needs help thinking better | coaching |
The stronger answer increases the team’s own capability. A weaker answer makes the Scrum Master the permanent problem solver, chairperson, or approval point.
The team keeps using the Daily Scrum to report status to the Scrum Master. The stronger move is usually teaching plus facilitation: clarify the purpose of the event, then help the team run it in a way that supports daily replanning.
Which response best reflects the Scrum Master accountability?
A. Help the team understand the purpose of the Daily Scrum and facilitate better team-owned replanning
B. Collect each Developer’s update and summarize status for management
C. Reassign work during the Daily Scrum to keep everyone utilized
D. Approve the team’s plan changes so they remain aligned
Best answer: A
Why: The Scrum Master helps the team use Scrum well and become more capable at self-management.
Why the others are weaker: B, C, and D all turn the Scrum Master into a controller instead of an enabler.