How to Handle Changes to the Sprint Backlog During a Sprint?
While the Sprint Backlog is emergent, a careful balance must be struck between maintaining the team's commitment towards the Sprint Goal and accommodating necessary adjustments to improve the outcome.
Are we still able to achieve the Sprint Goal?
This critical question needs to be answered when additional work is added to the Sprint Backlog. Based on the answer, the scrum team has a few options.
A. If changes to the Sprint Backlog are needed to achieve the Sprint Goal, this should be considered the normal way of doing work. The team should make the changes transparent and decide whether stakeholders need and should be informed of them.
B. If changes to the Sprint Backlog are needed because of other types of work that are unrelated or needed to achieve the Sprint Goal, special consideration should be made. Based on the risk of failing to achieve the team commitment and the value of the new work items, the team should decide whether this is acceptable.
C. If changes to the Sprint Backlog clearly affect the team’s ability to achieve the Sprint Goal, the Product Owner should be informed. If clear and well-assessed business needs justify the changes, the Product Owner can cancel the Sprint. A new one can be started immediately after, and the new Sprint Goals should reflect the adjusted business objectives.
Handling changes to the Sprint Backlog during a Sprint is a collaborative process. It's not just about adapting to changes that may appear in product development but also about fostering the collaborative participation of everyone in the team. The aim is to deliver the best possible results within the set timebox together.
1. Embrace Flexibility within Boundaries:
It's essential to understand that the Sprint Backlog forecasts the intended work in a Sprint, and it’s not a commitment.
Changes should be possible, but the team needs to manage it carefully. If a new work item is essential, something may need to be removed to maintain Sprint's work balance.
2. Value Communication:
Any consideration for changing the Sprint Backlog should start with open communication.
This involves discussing the potential impact of the change with the team, including how it might affect the Sprint Goal and each team member's ability to contribute towards it.
Transparent communication helps make informed decisions in the best interest of the product's success.
3. The Sprint Goal Is the Commitment for the Sprint:
The Sprint Goal guides the Sprint, and the Sprint Backlog changes should allow the team to achieve this goal.
If a proposed change threatens to compromise the Sprint Goal, it's usually a sign that it should be postponed until a later Sprint.
4. Leverage the Daily Scrum:
The Daily Scrum event is an ideal time to discuss any potential changes to the Sprint Backlog.
It's a focused opportunity to assess the situation quickly, consider the implications of the change, and decide as a team.
5. Evaluate the Impact:
Before making any changes, evaluate their impact on the current Sprint.
Consider factors such as the workload, the potential need for additional knowledge, and the effect on team morale.
Ensuring that the change will avoid burnout or significantly derail progress is crucial.
Changing the Sprint Backlog during a Sprint requires a deep understanding of the team's capabilities and the product's emerging needs.
It's about fostering an environment where change is not feared but managed in a way that aligns with the overall objectives.
The key is to ensure that the team remains focused, motivated, and aligned towards the common goal, even as adjustments are made.
By embracing a structured yet flexible approach, it's possible to handle changes effectively, ensuring that the product evolves in a way that genuinely meets the users' needs and expectations.