Impediment

By Miranda Dulin

Published in Glossary

January 28, 2024

1 min read

Definition of Impediment

Impediment is an obstacle that hinders developers from working to their forecasted progress.

Back of a vocabulary card for the term Impediment

Example Sentence

The unclear requirements were a major impediment.

Agile practitioners should be familiar with the term “impediment” as it is crucial for identifying and addressing any obstacles that hinder the progress of an Agile team. Impediments can range from technical challenges and resource limitations to communication barriers and external dependencies. Recognizing and effectively managing these impediments is essential for maintaining the flow of value. Agile approaches, like Scrum and Kanban, emphasize the prompt identification and resolution of impediments to ensure the team can work unencumbered and deliver value to customers without unnecessary delays.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the types of impediments?

In Agile, impediments are commonly classified into two types: Team level and Systemic (or organizational) level. Each type presents unique challenges and requires tailored strategies for resolution.

Team level impediments are obstacles faced within the team, such as internal communication issues or skill gaps. Systemic impediments, on the other hand, arise from broader organizational challenges like company policies or infrastructure constraints. Each type necessitates a different approach for resolution, highlighting the need for both focused team strategies and broader organizational change initiatives.

Who eliminates impediments in Scrum?

In Scrum, the Scrum Team is responsible for eliminating impediments, with the Scrum Master playing a key role in facilitating this process. Rather than directly removing obstacles, the Scrum Master empowers the team to identify and resolve these issues themselves. This approach promotes a self-sufficient and proactive team dynamic, underscoring the collaborative nature of problem-solving in Scrum.