How do you select the most valuable items for the sprint backlog?

Navigating Sprint Backlog Selection I think it’s time we decode the Sprint Backlog selection and that we take some time for a reality check when it comes to the Sprint Backlog.  ✨ Today, I’m bringing you some grounded insights on a question that is asked often in Agile circles.  🚀 How do you select the […]

What is a Sprint Backlog?

Interpreting the Sprint Backlog One of the most common inquiries I encounter is, “What is a Sprint Backlog?”  đź“ť The Scrum Guide offers a blueprint answer, but let’s break it down further into three pillars of three key elements. The Sprint Backlog, in my words, is essentially three things tied together: 1. The Sprint Goal: […]

The Sprint Goal is a commitment for the Sprint Backlog

In the 2020 Scrum Guide Ken and Jeff augmented the idea of the Sprint Goal. The Sprint Goal is a commitment to ensure transparency and focus against progress during a Sprint. The Sprint Goal is the single objective for the Sprint. Although the Sprint Goal is a commitment by the Developers, it provides flexibility in […]

Special Sprints: Agile Banditry or Risk Management?

You can’t spend much time in the Agile space without encountering teams doing some kind of special sprints. Whether it’s Sprint Zero, refactoring sprints, bug-fix sprints, or hardening sprints, these so-called “special sprints” are quite common. However, let’s cut to the chase: special sprints are agile banditry, and those practicing them are bandits in disguise. […]

Mastering Product Backlog Management: Essential Skills for Product Owners

As a new product owner, one of the most crucial responsibilities you’ll face is managing your product backlog. It’s the backbone of successful product delivery. The product backlog is more than a to-do list—it’s the foundation for delivering maximum value. In this post, we’ll walk you through the key elements of product backlog management, provide […]

The Importance of Product Backlog Management in Today’s Agile Landscape

Product backlog management is gaining a lot of attention in the Agile community right now—and for good reason. From my experience working with organizations across various industries, one of the most significant areas where I see teams struggle is in managing their product backlogs effectively. Let’s be honest, product backlogs are often neglected or underdeveloped, […]

Mastering Product Backlog Management: Insights from the New Scrum.org Course

In today’s fast-paced Agile environments, effective product backlog management is key to ensuring teams stay focused, aligned, and efficient. Scrum.org has recently launched a new Product Backlog Management course, and it’s shaping up to be an exciting addition to their offerings. Having worked with countless teams and seen firsthand how backlog mismanagement can derail progress, […]

Who should lead the Sprint Review? Why? How? 

Leading the Sprint Review – A Strategic Roadmap for Agile Success 🚀  In the ever-evolving world of Agile project management, the Sprint review emerges as a critical juncture, pivotal to the success and direction of your project. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and recalibrate, ensuring that every effort aligns seamlessly with the overarching goals.   […]

What should be top of mind when a Scrum team prepare for a Sprint review? 

Unleashing the Power of Stakeholder Engagement in Sprint Reviews 💡🔍  In the Agile landscape, effective stakeholder engagement during Sprint reviews can be a defining factor for success.   Let’s explore how to transform these interactions into impactful opportunities.  The Essential Element of Effective Sprint Reviews 🌟  Stakeholder engagement is not just an add-on but a critical […]

How does a Scrum team decide on a Sprint goal? 

Deciphering the Sprint Goal Enigma 🎯   The Sprint goal is the North Star for any Scrum team – a beacon that guides the team’s efforts throughout the Sprint. But the million-dollar question remains: How does one conjure this all-important goal?   If you peek into the Scrum Guide, you might be led to believe it’s a […]