Concepts
Making final decisions with stakeholders can sometimes be a challenging task, especially when there are various inputs, perspectives, and interests at play. To facilitate this complex process, certain methods and techniques can be employed. For individuals studying for the Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) exam, understanding these methods is crucial, as they are key to effectively managing stakeholders and driving the product vision. Here, we discuss three such methods:
1. Consensus Decision Making
Consensus decision making involves working together to find a satisfactory solution for all stakeholders. It does not necessarily mean that every party got exactly what they wanted, but rather, that they can live with the final decision and fully support it. The process of reaching consensus involves steps such as open discussion, input and idea generation, deliberation, and gradual refinement of the proposal.
For example, the Product Owner is having a meeting with stakeholders who have diverse opinions about a certain feature to be added in the product. The Product Owner facilitates the meeting promoting an open discussion, ensuring that each stakeholder has the opportunity to express their standpoints. As the meeting proceeds, the Product Owner gradually builds consensus, steering the discussion towards a decision that’s agreeable for everyone.
2. Prioritization Techniques
Deciding on the priority of product backlog items can be enabled by various prioritization techniques. The MoSCoW model (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won’t have) is a popular agile method that offers a simple and straightforward approach to prioritization. Another commonly used technique is the Value/Effort matrix, which allows stakeholders to assess each item in terms of the value it brings versus the effort it demands.
Here’s an example of a simple Value/Effort matrix:
| High Value | Low Value | |
|---|---|---|
| High Effort | Consider | Avoid |
| Low Effort | Prioritize | Possible |
In the matrix above, items that bring high value with low effort (top right corner) are the top priorities, items of low value and high effort (top left corner) should be avoided, and the rest falls in between.
3. Group Decision-Making Techniques
In group decision-making processes, the decision is made collectively by the group rather than an individual. Techniques like multi-voting, the Delphi method, or nominal group technique are commonly used for this.
For instance, during a Scrum ceremony, the Scrum Product Owner can use the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). In NGT, each stakeholder presents their opinion or suggestion one at a time, then everyone votes, and the suggestion with the most votes is accepted. Unlike general group discussions, NGT reduces the influence of dominant individuals and gives everyone an equal chance to have their say, which contributes to a fair and balanced decision.
In Summary
In summary, facilitating a final decision with stakeholders isn’t always simple, but effective measures can be taken to ensure that the outcome is agreeable to all parties involved. Be it consensus decision-making, prioritization techniques, or group decision-making, all offer different approaches based on the situation at hand. The key for an A-CSPO is to know which method to apply when, and how to execute it effectively.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: One way to facilitate a final decision with stakeholders is to develop a consensus-building approach.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: A consensus-building approach is a good way to get everyone on board, promoting open discussions where stakeholders can voice their opinions.
True or False: You should not include stakeholders’ opinions in the final decision-making process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Stakeholders play an integral part in the decision-making process, their opinions should definitely be considered to drive a successful project.
Which of the following are ways to facilitate a final decision with stakeholders? (Multiple Select)
- a) Keep stakeholders isolated from each other.
- b) Use visual tools to illustrate options and impacts.
- c) Encourage open dialogue and active feedback.
- d) Ignore minority opinion as they are usually irrelevant.
Answer: b) Use visual tools to illustrate options and impacts, c) Encourage open dialogue and active feedback.
Explanation: Visual tools and open dialogue can help to facilitate more effective and informed decisions, whereas isolating stakeholders and ignoring minority opinion doesn’t promote collaborative decision-making.
Stakeholders’ preferences for a final decision can be understood by:
- a) Guess work based on their role in the organization.
- b) Asking them directly.
- c) Reading their mind.
- d) All of the Above.
Answer: b) Asking them directly.
Explanation: Communication is key in understanding the perspectives and preferences of stakeholders. Guesswork or assumptions can lead to misunderstandings.
Multiple stakeholder workshops for decision-making can lead to:
- a) Increased confusion.
- b) A better understanding of diverse viewpoints.
- c) More arguments and disagreements.
- d) None of the above.
Answer: b) A better understanding of diverse viewpoints.
Explanation: Multiple stakeholder workshops, if facilitated effectively, can lead to a better understanding of diverse viewpoints and thus informed decisions.
True or False: Visual representation of options has no impact on stakeholder decision making.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Visual representation of options can help stakeholders to comprehend and evaluate the options in a better way leading towards an informed decision.
True or False: Being an Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner, you should only implement a democratic decision-making style while facilitating final decisions.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While a democratic decision-making style is beneficial, it’s not the only style that can be use. A good facilitator can incorporate different decision-making styles based on the scenario for effectiveness.
The role of an A-CSPO in stakeholder decision making should primarily be:
- a) A neutral facilitator.
- b) Influencing stakeholder decisions towards their own opinion.
- c) Dominating the process to ensure timely decisions.
- d) Ignoring stakeholders and making decisions on their own.
Answer: a) A neutral facilitator.
Explanation: As an A-CSPO, one should facilitate the process neutrally, ensuring that all voices are heard and considered, rather than imposing their own opinion.
Which of the following are not benefits of stakeholder workshops in decision making? (Multiple select)
- a) Increases complexity in decision making.
- b) Promotes personal bias and politicking.
- c) Boosts mutual understanding and consensus.
- d) Helps in eliciting different perspectives.
Answer: a) Increases complexity in decision making, b) Promotes personal bias and politicking.
Explanation: Stakeholder workshops help streamline the decision making process by fostering mutual understanding and bringing out different perspectives, rather than promoting bias and complexity.
True or False: As a Scrum Product Owner, disregarding conflict among stakeholders can expedite the decision-making process.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Disregarding conflict can actually delay the decision-making process. Conflicts should be addressed and resolved for a smoother process.
True or False: As an A-CSPO, you should limit your decision-making strategies to just one to maintain consistency.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Flexibility is key in decision making. An effective facilitator should be able to vary their approach depending on the situation.
Stakeholder starring or voting is a technique used to:
- a) Identify the most popular movie star among stakeholders.
- b) Enable stakeholders to vote on their preferred decision options.
- c) Facilitate stakeholder arguments.
- d) All of the above.
Answer: b) Enable stakeholders to vote on their preferred decision options.
Explanation: Stakeholder starring or voting is a common facilitation technique used to gather stakeholders’ preferences and aid informed decision making.
One key way to facilitate a final decision with stakeholders is through regular and transparent communication.
Absolutely, transparent communication helps to build trust and clarity among all parties involved.
I think getting consensus from all stakeholders is crucial. How do you prioritize conflicting interests?
Great question! I find that facilitating workshops where everyone’s concerns are heard often helps. What techniques do you use?
Using a decision matrix can help to weigh different aspects and find a balanced solution.
Thanks for the great insights!
In my experience, running a Design Sprint has expedited the decision-making process.
Design Sprints are amazing! They really condense the decision timeframe. Do you use them often?
I appreciate the blog post. Learned a lot!
Building a strong relationship with key stakeholders can pave the way for smoother decisions. Thoughts?
Absolutely agree! Relationship-building ensures trust, which is fundamental for buy-in.
What about using prioritization frameworks like WSJF?
WSJF is effective, but it requires everyone to have a clear understanding of the metrics.
Agreed, it can sometimes be difficult to align on the metrics initially.
Loving this discussion. Very helpful tips here!