Upon reading the blog Relative Size – 4 tips, the Scrum Master (SM) of a team I am working with as coach came to me with a question: Why are you emphasizing more time invested in backlog refinement to prepare for the next sprint instead of spending a lot of time in sprint planning? It is the same amount of time, is it not? What is the difference / benefit?
Suggested Solution
Here are the benefits of backlog refinement and why it is not the same “type” of time as in sprint planning (apples & oranges):
- In many cases, backlog refinement need not involve the whole team (costly) and not actually required unlike Sprint Planning; primarily, the PO/PM, Tech Lead / Architect, the SM and perhaps the Engineering Manager (EM) are needed
- During backlog refinement, questions may arise to be answered by folks outside the team (such as the PO needing clarifications with the business stakeholders); the time between backlog refinement and sprint planning gives time to resolve such questions, rather than getting stuck during Sprint Planning with the whole team
- The above results in sprint planning more effective – answering queries from the team so that their commitment to sprint goals is more informed
- In backlog refinement sessions, the Product Owner will be able to develop a better sense of how much can be achieved in upcoming sprint(s) and revisit release (or PI) goals
- Regular backlog refinement enables a shared understanding of the backlog, distributed over a period of time instead of spending a big slices of time during Sprint Planning
So, apples and oranges are both fruits, but…
4 Responses
Hi Shiv, I can relate to this, it is a real different world.
I was invited a few times to address students appearing for CET exams as an industry person and found it challenging to connect with them. I was able to connect somewhat as one of their concern was what if they do not get into a good college, which I was able to address by sharing real life examples.
Thanks Vasu. College “brand” no doubt helps early on in work life – corporate doors open more easily. But down the line, it is people’s motivation and track record that helps build careers. I am sure we have all seen examples affirming this. I have stressed with the mentees that I work with. An aside, the mentorship program I am involved in spans 4-5 months and so, I have had time to work on the “connect”! Yes – takes time and effort.
Hi Shiv – very well written – thanks for the write-up.
Many years ago I was a volunteer mentor for a couple of youth as part of Dream A Dream’s life skills mentoring program. This was in person mentoring where the mentee and I would meet periodically (usually on a weekend) and discuss general topics. There was no prescribed structure though all mentors did go thru a few hours of in person training. Based on that experience I can corroborate that it takes time for the mentee to open up, especially in that case given their lack of confidence in expressing in English which was the recommended language for communication. Switching to Tamil (in one case where the mentee was from Tamil Nadu) helped.
Can also relate well to your point on swings in mood and engagement level of the mentee and the need for mentor to shift gears accordingly.
I am sure the mentees are benefiting a lot from your vast and varied experience – hope you will come back to mentor more such students after you complete the current mentorships and possibly take a break!
Thank you, Bhasker!