Expose disagreement before discussion | Kickoff from Problem to Backlog

Ask participants to write their answers before anyone presents. Compare differences and classify each as a decision, research assumption or constraint. Do not force competing views into ceremonial consensus.

Failure mode: the most senior participant speaks first and everyone edits their notes to match. Collect the notes before discussion.

Reading

core

Four silent answers

Individually record the intended change, priority user, problem and near-term outcome. Compare before editing. Assign differences as decisions, assumptions or constraints, each with an owner and next action.

This alignment test is an authored facilitation method. Scrum defines Product Goal and Product Owner accountability but does not prescribe this workshop.

Worked example and transfer practice

All examples below are fictional teaching material. Use synthetic notes; no workplace or personal data is required or uploaded.

A fictional repair service. The sponsor wants more online bookings. Dispatch staff want fewer visits to empty homes. These could require different first changes. Record the conflict as a decision: which outcome governs the first test? The service owner will decide after the researcher checks why callers miss appointments. Do not rewrite both aims as ‘better service’ and call that agreement.

Try before reading the guide: A library sponsor wants more reservations while volunteers want fewer failed collections. Write both outcomes, one question that could change the priority, and the role that can decide. Keep the disagreement visible until that decision is made.

Practice review guide

Your record distinguishes the two outcomes, identifies missing evidence, and gives a decision owner and checkpoint. Agreement on vague wording alone is insufficient.

References

The Scrum Guide, November 2020, official current English versioncanonical

Knowledge check

core

Practice · formative check

Check the disagreement record

Choose the response that preserves a consequential difference.

Concepts: alignment test, decision ownership

1. Sponsor and service staff name different outcomes. What should the facilitator do first?

Combine both into broad wording everyone can acceptRecord the difference and assign it as a decision or research questionReplace both with the sponsor's wording immediately

There is no attempt limit or pass/fail state. Completing the check only enables the lesson's separate explicit completion control; it never records completion or certificate eligibility itself.

Use the equivalent lesson path

Activity ready. Attempts are unlimited. Completing this practice activity enables the lesson's separate, explicit completion control.

Equivalent non-interactive path

Answer and feedback guide

Sponsor and service staff name different outcomes. What should the facilitator do first?

Combine both into broad wording everyone can accept: Broad wording can conceal the choice the team still needs.
Record the difference and assign it as a decision or research question (best answer): Correct. Visibility precedes resolution.
Replace both with the sponsor's wording immediately: Authority may decide later, but the operational difference should remain visible.

References

The Scrum Guide, November 2020, official current English versioncanonical