Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) Scrum Master Practice Test

What is one way a Scrum Master/Team Coach can help teams improve flow?

1. Establish a team Kanban board

2. Increase the number of meetings

3. Reduce team size

4. Limit stakeholder involvement

The correct answer is: Establish a team Kanban board

A Scrum Master or Team Coach can help teams improve flow by establishing a team Kanban board. This visual tool helps teams track their work items, facilitating better understanding of current work status, workflow, and bottlenecks. By organizing tasks into different stages, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done," team members can see how work progresses through the systems and identify areas where delays or blocks may occur. This visibility allows teams to optimize their workflow, implement changes to reduce waste, and enhance overall efficiency. In addition, a Kanban board fosters communication and collaboration, as team members can quickly see what others are working on and adjust their efforts accordingly to maintain a smooth flow of work. Other strategies, such as increasing the number of meetings, could lead to additional overhead and potential distractions, detracting from the team's ability to focus on delivering value. Reducing team size may also limit creativity and collaboration, as a well-functioning team often benefits from diverse perspectives and skills. Lastly, limiting stakeholder involvement could hinder the team's understanding of requirements and reduce feedback opportunities, ultimately affecting delivery quality. Thus, establishing a Kanban board stands out as a direct method to enhance flow in a supportive and collaborative environment.