When training a new team on Scrum, what is one of the first things the Scrum Master should clarify?

Clarifying the team's roles and responsibilities is essential when training a new team on Scrum. Understanding who is responsible for what fosters collaboration and ensures that team members know their specific contributions to the overall project. In Scrum, defined roles—such as the Scrum Master, Product Owner, and Development Team—are crucial for the framework to function effectively. Each role has distinct responsibilities that support the Scrum processes, drive accountability, and establish a self-organizing team environment.

By setting a clear foundation of roles early on, the Scrum Master helps team members understand their individual and collective contributions, which enhances communication and reduces confusion about expected behaviors in the team. This clarity promotes a supportive atmosphere for team dynamics, enabling the team to focus on delivering high-quality increments.

The other options, while they may be relevant in certain contexts, are secondary in importance when first introducing a Scrum team. Meeting deadlines, while significant in a project context, does not directly relate to the foundational structure of the Scrum process. The technical tools needed for development and the company’s overall project timeline can be addressed after the team has a solid understanding of their roles, as these elements are more about execution rather than the fundamental understanding of Scrum principles and team collaboration.