Interview questions in Agile & Scrum, page 19
How do you build a Monte Carlo project forecast?
Tests your ability to model uncertainty and communicate probabilistic outcomes. A good answer covers gathering cycle time data, running thousands of simulations, and presenting results as a probability distribution (e.g., "85% confidence by X date"), not a…
How do you resolve a cross-team dependency in scaled agile?
This tests your ability to navigate organizational complexity and take ownership. First, validate the blocker and try direct peer contact. Then, escalate via Scrum of Scrums or PM syncs, proposing technical solutions like API contracts.
Nexus Integration Team vs. Traditional Integration Teams
Tests your grasp of scaled Agile's shift from phase-gate integration to shared ownership. Contrast the NIT as a coach for continuous integration with a traditional team's gatekeeper role.
Scrum Master vs. Project Manager: How do they direct teams?
This tests your understanding of servant-leadership vs. command-and-control. A good answer contrasts their core goals (process vs. project), team interaction (coaching vs. directing), and how they handle change. Red flag: saying an SM is just an 'agile PM.'
Servant Leadership in Scrum: Meaning and Examples
Tests your ability to apply agile theory. Define servant leadership as enabling team success, not managing tasks. Give concrete examples like shielding the team from distractions or facilitating technical decisions.
Using Flow Metrics to Coach for Predictability
Tests if you use data for coaching, not coercion. Define Lead/Cycle Time, explain how stable times (p85) create predictability, and contrast this with Velocity's flaws. The red flag is treating any metric as a target instead of a diagnostic tool for the team.
How do you escalate a blocking external dependency?
Tests your ability to quantify impact, show ownership, and empower leaders. A great answer details the business cost, documents your due diligence, and defines a clear 'ask' for the leader.
What is a cross-functional team in Agile?
This tests your grasp of how team structure impacts velocity. A great answer defines it as a team with all skills to ship value, explains how it reduces handoffs and boosts ownership, and links it to faster cycle times.
What is a Community of Practice or Guild?
Tests understanding of cross-team knowledge sharing. Define CoPs as voluntary groups for a shared craft, explain their purpose (sharing best practices, standardizing tools), and give an example like a 'Frontend Guild.'
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