CSM Service to the Scrum Team Practice Question
A team member is consistently arriving late to the Daily Scrum, which interrupts the meeting. How should the Scrum Master address this while serving the team?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many test-takers select punitive management approaches, such as the Scrum Master reprimanding the late developer or establishing new strict attendance rules.
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
✓
Bring up the impact of the behavior during the next Retrospective for the team to discuss.
The Scrum Master should facilitate the team's ability to address this behavior themselves. Instead of playing the role of a manager, the Scrum Master encourages the team to discuss the impact of the lateness. By focusing on the team's working agreements and the value of synchronization, the Scrum Master supports the team in upholding their standards without resorting to policing, which preserves the team's sense of self-governance and maturity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Speak to the individual privately and warn them about the potential for removal.
Why it's wrong here
This is a disciplinary action that should be handled by the individual's manager, not the Scrum Master. The Scrum Master's role is to facilitate team dynamics, not manage individual performance. Moving into disciplinary territory damages the trust required for the Scrum Master to coach the team effectively as a neutral party.
- ✓
Bring up the impact of the behavior during the next Retrospective for the team to discuss.
Why this is correct
The Retrospective is the appropriate place for the team to discuss norms and team dynamics. By raising the issue neutrally, the Scrum Master allows the team to find a solution that works for them. This approach reinforces team ownership and ensures the team is accountable for their own agreements.
- ✗
Start the meeting exactly on time, regardless of who is missing.
Why it's wrong here
While starting on time is a good practice, it doesn't solve the underlying issue of the team not working as a cohesive unit. The Scrum Master should ensure the team is discussing why this is happening. Simply ignoring the latecomer doesn't address the lack of team commitment and synchronization.
- ✗
Change the time of the Daily Scrum to be more convenient for the team member.
Why it's wrong here
The Daily Scrum time should be determined by the team based on when they sync best. Changing it to accommodate one person ignores the needs of the rest of the team. The solution should be determined by the group, not by a single person's convenience or the Scrum Master's personal choice.
About these practice questions
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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 Scrum Alliance exam blueprint
This CSM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scrum Alliance 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 CSM exam.