As a SAFe Scrum Master, can you describe a situation where you had to manage a conflict within your Agile Release Train? How did you approach the resolution?
This question explores the Scrum Master’s ability to handle conflicts in a scaled Agile environment, focusing on their approach to maintaining harmony and productivity among diverse teams and stakeholders. The answer should ideally use the STAR approach, detailing a specific conflict, the actions taken to resolve it, and the successful outcome.
Answer Using STAR Approach:
- Situation: In one of our PI Planning sessions, a conflict arose between two teams’ Product Owners over the scope of a feature. One believed a significant portion of the work should be in the feature handled by my team, while our Product Owner and team thought otherwise.
- Task: My task was to facilitate a resolution that clarified the feature requirements, considering the application’s usage, each team’s strengths, and our shared goal of delivering value to the client.
- Action: I initiated a meeting focused on building a common understanding, first by discussing the application’s intended usage and each team’s core competencies. We then collaboratively detailed feature acceptance criteria that aligned with our common goals. Throughout the process, I demonstrated active listening skills and facilitated a multi-criteria decision-making approach.
- Result: This led to an agreement that balanced the scope fairly between the teams, satisfying both Product Owners and contributing to the project’s overall success.
Reflective Questions for Customization:
- “Have you encountered a similar conflict regarding feature scope in your experience?”
- “How have you used acceptance criteria to clarify requirements and resolve disputes?”
- “Can you describe a situation where your active listening and decision-making skills played a key role in reaching a consensus?”
In this article, we explored a crucial scenario for SAFe Scrum Masters: managing conflict over feature scope between Product Owners. Using the STAR approach, we highlighted the importance of clarity, active listening, and collaborative decision-making in resolving such disputes. For those looking to enhance their conflict management skills in Agile environments, our Agile Coaching (ICP-ACC) session offers valuable insights and techniques. Join us to develop the skills necessary to navigate and resolve conflicts effectively, fostering a more harmonious and productive Agile workspace.
