CSM Scrum Master Core Competencies Practice Question
During Sprint Retrospective, a Developer says, 'I don't see the point of these meetings. Nothing ever changes.' Other team members nod in agreement. The Scrum Master wants to turn this into a productive Retrospective. What is the most appropriate action?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is treating the Developer's comment as a reason to defend the Retrospective or cancel it, rather than recognizing it as a signal to improve follow-through on identified actions.
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
✓
Ask the team to identify one or two small, actionable improvements and ensure they are addressed in the next Sprint.
The most appropriate action is to help the team identify a small number of actionable improvements and ensure they are implemented. This directly addresses the frustration that nothing changes and demonstrates the value of the Retrospective. It also reinforces the Scrum principle of continuous improvement through inspect and adapt.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Agree with the Developer and propose canceling the Retrospective until the team has a clear need for improvement.
Why it's wrong here
Canceling the Retrospective removes the team's primary opportunity to inspect and adapt their process. The Developer's comment signals a need to improve the Retrospective, not to eliminate it. The Scrum Master should address the underlying issue of follow-through, not abandon the event that enables continuous improvement.
- ✗
Remind the team that the Retrospective is a required Scrum event and that attendance is mandatory.
Why it's wrong here
Citing rules and mandatory attendance does not address the root cause of disengagement. The Developer's complaint is about lack of change, not lack of obligation. This response may increase resentment and does not help the team see value in the Retrospective. The Scrum Master should facilitate improvement, not enforce compliance.
- ✓
Ask the team to identify one or two small, actionable improvements and ensure they are addressed in the next Sprint.
Why this is correct
This action directly addresses the frustration by turning discussion into tangible change. By focusing on a small number of actionable improvements and following through, the Scrum Master helps the team experience the value of the Retrospective. It also builds trust and reinforces the purpose of inspect and adapt.
- ✗
Suggest that the team stop holding Retrospectives and instead use the time for additional Sprint Planning.
Why it's wrong here
Replacing the Retrospective with more planning sacrifices the team's ability to improve how they work. While planning is important, the Retrospective is the dedicated event for inspecting and adapting the process. Removing it would likely worsen the team's effectiveness and ignore the underlying issue of unaddressed improvements.
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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
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