What should be done if a Scrum Team is facing external pressure?

When a Scrum Team is facing external pressure, the most effective response is for the Scrum Master to intervene to support the team. This is because the Scrum Master's primary role includes protecting the team from external disruptions that can hinder their focus and productivity. By intervening, the Scrum Master can help to facilitate communication between the team and stakeholders, clarify expectations, and address any issues arising from the external pressures.

A commitment to upholding the Scrum framework entails ensuring that the team can work effectively towards their Sprint Goals without being overwhelmed by outside factors. The Scrum Master can assist in removing obstacles, mediating conflicts, and coaching the team on how to manage external pressures constructively.

Choosing to ignore external pressure, while appealing in terms of maintaining focus, can lead to misalignment with stakeholder expectations and ultimately diminish the value delivery of the Scrum Team. Meeting with stakeholders regularly may help in understanding their concerns but does not directly address immediate pressures affecting the team. Increasing output in response to pressure can lead to burnout and reduced quality, as teams may compromise their sustainable pace to meet expectations.

Hence, the intervention of the Scrum Master is a proactive and supportive measure that aligns with the principles of Scrum, creating an environment where the team can be successful despite external challenges.