a·gen·tic a·gil·i·ty

Why Using a Blocked Column in Azure DevOps Is a Mistake

TL;DR; Using a blocked column in Azure DevOps causes work to stall and be forgotten, rather than resolved. Instead, use a visible blocked tag and keep items in their active state to maintain focus and encourage action. Track blockages to address root causes and keep work moving.

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If your team is using a “Blocked” column in Azure DevOps, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Why? Because work doesn’t flow through blocked—it stops there. And once it’s there, it tends to stay there.

Instead of a blocked column, try this:

This keeps the problem in sight while preventing blocked work from becoming a dumping ground. More importantly, it helps teams take action instead of waiting for work to magically resolve itself.

How does your team flag ‘blocked’ work?

Also published on: LinkedIn
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