If this material is helpful, please leave a comment and support us to continue.
Table of Contents
When a Scrum team faces issues or discrepancies, the ScrumMaster’s effective coaching methods can bring the situation back on track. In this article, we will discuss two intervention techniques – ‘active listening’ and ‘powerful questions’ and illustrate their utilization in a Scrum context.
Active listening is an essential coaching technique wherein the ScrumMaster devotes full attention to the team members or stakeholders. It includes understanding, processing, reflecting, and then responding using verbal and non-verbal cues.
Team Member A reports about a problem they have encountered during the product development sprint. The ScrumMaster should attentively listen to Team Member A’s problem, instead of jumping into conclusions or offering straight-away solutions. In this way, the ScrumMaster acknowledges Team Member A’s problem and gains a more profound understanding of the situation.
Powerful questions are open-ended queries that stimulate, provoke, and inspire deeper introspection. They are often posed by the ScrumMaster to inspire team members to explore creative solutions to their problems.
In a situation where the team struggles with low productivity, the ScrumMaster could ask, ‘What can we change in our current process to improve the team’s productivity?’ Instead of telling the team what should be done, this approach promotes self-organization and empowerment.
Coaching Technique | Active Listening | Powerful Questions |
---|---|---|
Purpose | To understand and empathize with team issues | To inspire self-organization and critical thinking |
Example | Taking the time to understand a team member’s problem before proposing solutions | Asking open-ended questions to provoke thought and discussion |
Role in Scrum | Promotes empathy, aids problem solving, and builds trust | Encourages self-organization, promotes collaboration, and stimulates critical thinking |
In conclusion, the application of careful listening and mindful questioning will enhance the effectiveness of ScrumMaster interventions. Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) candidates should continually practice and refine these skills to gain successful outcomes in the Scrum environment.
True
False
True
False
True
False
42 Replies to “apply an appropriate coaching technique for two interventions.”
I’m new to Scrum. Can you explain more about ‘active listening’?
Active Listening involves being fully present in the conversation, reflecting back what you heard, and asking clarifying questions. It’s crucial for Scrum Masters.
Great post! I found the part about using powerful questions very insightful.
What are some pitfalls to avoid when applying coaching techniques in Scrum?
Avoid being overly directive. The goal is to facilitate the team’s own problem-solving abilities.
Also, ensure that the team is ready and open to the coaching process to maximize its effectiveness.
Does anyone faced challenges while implementing these coaching techniques?
Yes, initially it can be challenging to get team members to open up, but with consistency, it becomes easier.
I found this article very useful, thanks!
Does anyone have examples of using Active Listening techniques during Sprint Reviews?
I agree. Active Listening creates a more engaging environment and encourages open communication.
Active Listening helps in understanding the clients’ feedback deeply. It ensures that team members capture the real needs and make necessary adjustments.
Does anyone have experience in using coaching techniques to resolve team conflicts?
Using techniques like Active Listening and Open Questions can facilitate better understanding and resolution during conflicts.
I use the GROW model all the time! It really helps steer the team towards self-discovery and solutions.
I think the content is too basic for an Advanced Certified ScrumMaster (A-CSM) exam preparation.
Really appreciate this blog post, it clarified many doubts!
This article is very helpful, thank you!
How often should a Scrum Master use coaching techniques during sprints?
Using them during retrospectives and planning sessions can be particularly useful.
Coaching should be a regular part of your interactions, but it depends on the team’s maturity and their current challenges.
Thanks for this write-up. Can someone explain how to use the GROW model in a Scrum context?
Sure, the GROW model stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. It’s a great framework to help Scrum Masters facilitate problem-solving sessions.
In a Scrum context, you can use GROW to help team members identify obstacles and figure out action plans during Sprint Retrospectives.
I’m sceptical about the effectiveness of the GROW model. Any thoughts?
It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it’s a well-tested model. You might need to adapt it to fit your team’s specific needs.
Thanks, I learned a lot!
Very enlightening post, thank you!
Amazing content, very detailed!
Could someone elaborate on using scaling questions in coaching?
Yes, and they also help in understanding the intensity of a situation, making it easier to prioritize actions.
Scaling questions are tools to measure the team’s perceptions on progress or challenges on a scale. They are great for quantifying subjective experiences.
Why is ‘solution-focused’ coaching considered effective in Scrum?
Because it shifts the team’s focus from problems to solutions, creating a more positive and proactive environment.
Exactly, it helps in quickly identifying actionable steps without dwelling too much on the issues.
Has anyone tried using the T-GROW model instead?
Yes, T-GROW adds a ‘Topic’ phase to better understand the context before diving into Goal setting. It’s especially useful in complex environments.
How can we measure the effectiveness of a coaching intervention in Scrum?
Absolutely, and observing changes in team dynamics and communication can also be indicators.
You can measure effectiveness through team feedback, improved productivity, and the achievement of sprint goals.
Could you provide more examples of ‘powerful questions’?
Sure, questions like ‘What would success look like?’ or ‘What options do you see?’ can lead to deeper insights.