What is the scrum master's role when the team feels pressured by the product owner during a retrospective?

The scrum master's role when the team feels pressured by the product owner during a retrospective is to help the team push back against that pressure. This support is crucial because the retrospective is a safe space designed for the team to discuss their challenges, successes, and areas for improvement without fear of retribution or undue influence.

By assisting the team in articulating their concerns and feelings, the scrum master fosters an environment of open communication and psychological safety. This allows the team to engage in candid discussions about the pressures they may be experiencing and promotes a culture where individuals feel empowered to express their thoughts and suggestions regarding product priorities and workloads.

The scrum master acts as a facilitator, ensuring that the focus remains on the team's needs and helping the product owner understand these perspectives. Encouraging the team to have a voice helps balance the dynamics between the product owner and the development team, ensuring that the product owner respects the team's professional insights and capabilities.