In an effort to increase agile knowledge, traditional project managers of a company have been paired with scrum masters to observe them lead their teams. One observation is that many project decisions are the responsibility of the project team and the scrum master is more facilitative than authoritative. In fact, the scrum masters seem more focused on ensuring that the team can focus on the work, have a shared vision, and determine how they will accomplish their work.

What leadership approach have the scrum masters adopted?

A. Participative leadership
B. Autocratic leadership
C. Transformational leadership
D. Servant leadership

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HINT: Which approach is characterized by facilitation and serving the needs of the team over 'managing' the team?

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Answer and Explanation:
The correct answer is D.

Traditional project managers 'direct' project team members to do what has been decided by the project manager, sponsor, and stakeholders external to the core project team. The project manager derives their power and authority by virtue of the project manager's position relative to their team.

By contrast, agile project leaders and coaches practice servant leadership, which is characterized by facilitating, influencing and providing the team the freedom to determine how they will accomplish a shared project vision. Servant leaders keep their teams insulated from external, productivity-sapping, distractions while keeping them focused on the continuous delivery of product increments that customers and stakeholders define as most valuable.

The scrum master is an example of a servant leader for the team. Most of the time the scrum master acts as a coach and peer to the development team, but will step into the role of a leader if the best practices of Scrum are not being followed by the team.

Details for each option:

A. Incorrect. Participative leadership is often called democratic leadership and involves soliciting the input of team members and peers. However, the responsibility of making the final decision rests with the participative leader.

B. Incorrect. Autocratic leadership involves allowing leaders to make decisions alone without the input of others. Autocratic leaders possess total authority and impose their will on the team.

C. Incorrect. Transformational leadership depends on high levels of communication from management to meet goals. Leaders motivate employees and enhance productivity and efficiency through communication and high visibility.

D. Correct. Servant leadership is the practice of leading through service to the team, by focusing on understanding and addressing the needs and development of the team members in order to enable the highest possible team performance.