SSM Supporting Team Events Practice Question
Which TWO of the following behaviors should a Scrum Master demonstrate during the Team Retrospective? (Select TWO)
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates select options that include assigning blame, evaluating individual performance, or mandating specific technical practices, ignoring the core Agile principle of psychological safety and team autonomy.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Ensure that the team identifies at least one actionable improvement to implement next iteration.
The Retrospective is a safe environment for continuous improvement. The Scrum Master must ensure the discussion remains constructive and focused on systemic issues rather than individual blame. By facilitating an environment where the team feels safe to share insights, the Scrum Master helps the team identify actionable improvements that lead to higher quality, better flow, and increased team satisfaction in future iterations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Focus the discussion on identifying the individual team member responsible for failures.
Why it's wrong here
The Retrospective should focus on process and systemic improvements, not on blaming individuals. Blame culture discourages open communication and psychological safety, which are essential for innovation. When individuals are targeted, team members become defensive, leading to a loss of valuable insights that could otherwise improve the team's overall performance.
- ✓
Ensure that the team identifies at least one actionable improvement to implement next iteration.
Why this is correct
Continuous improvement is the core purpose of a retrospective. Without actionable items, the session is merely a complaint forum. By ensuring the team commits to at least one improvement, the Scrum Master ensures the event drives tangible, positive change in the team's way of working and overall team health.
- ✗
Strictly follow the same agenda format every time to maintain consistency.
Why it's wrong here
While consistency is good, using the same format for every retrospective can lead to stagnant discussions and disengagement. Scrum Masters should vary their techniques and activities to keep the team engaged and to uncover different perspectives on the team's performance, thereby ensuring the retrospective remains a productive, fresh experience.
- ✓
Create a safe environment where team members can openly discuss what went well and what did not.
Why this is correct
Psychological safety is the prerequisite for a successful retrospective. When team members feel safe, they are more willing to speak honestly about challenges and successes. The Scrum Master's primary role is to foster this environment, ensuring all voices are heard and the team can learn from their shared experiences.
- ✗
Report all team issues directly to the Release Train Engineer without telling the team.
Why it's wrong here
Reporting issues behind the team's back violates the principle of transparency and trust. The team should own their own improvements. If an issue is beyond the team's control, the Scrum Master should involve the team in the communication process, maintaining transparency and fostering a collaborative, empowered, and professional team dynamic.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scaled Agile exam blueprint
This SSM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scaled Agile certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSM exam.