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.

Published on
1 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/H8CRQrD64JY
Subscribe

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
Smart Classifications

Each classification [Concepts, Categories, & Tags] was assigned using AI-powered semantic analysis and scored across relevance, depth, and alignment. Final decisions? Still human. Always traceable. Hover to see how it applies.

Subscribe

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

NIT A/S

Qualco Logo

Qualco

Boxit Document Solutions

SuperControl Logo

SuperControl

Schlumberger Logo

Schlumberger

Epic Games Logo

Epic Games

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation Logo

Xceptor - Process and Data Automation

Akaditi Logo

Akaditi

New Signature Logo

New Signature

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Teleplan Logo

Teleplan

Genus Breeding Ltd Logo

Genus Breeding Ltd

Healthgrades Logo

Healthgrades

ALS Life Sciences Logo

ALS Life Sciences

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

ProgramUtvikling Logo

ProgramUtvikling

Slicedbread Logo

Slicedbread

Hubtel Ghana Logo

Hubtel Ghana

Department of Work and Pensions (UK) Logo

Department of Work and Pensions (UK)

Nottingham County Council Logo

Nottingham County Council

Royal Air Force Logo

Royal Air Force

New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo

New Hampshire Supreme Court

Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Washington Department of Transport Logo

Washington Department of Transport

Slicedbread Logo

Slicedbread

Sage Logo

Sage

Trayport Logo

Trayport

Philips Logo

Philips

Kongsberg Maritime Logo

Kongsberg Maritime

Jack Links Logo

Jack Links