Understanding and Apply Scrum [P6]: Sprint Goal - Getting to Done: Creating Good Sprint Goals

Question 1

Can you partially achieve a sprint goal?

Answer 1

no

achieving a Sprint Goal is pass/ fail —> no %

Question 2

If we have a Sprint Backlog, essentially the plan for the Sprint, why do we need a Sprint Goal?

Answer 2

• cannot plan perfectly for the unknown
• expect more work will emerge during the sprint
• may need to re-negotiate sprint
• SO ⇒ sprint goal gives team FOCUS + allows flexibility to negotiate

Question 3

Four common problems with sprint goals

Answer 3

• 1 - The Sprint Goal is too big.
• 2 - The Sprint Goal is vague.
• 3 - The team doesn’t pay attention to the Sprint Goal during the Sprint.
• 4 - The Sprint Goal doesn’t feel meaningful.

Question 4

Why this is problematic: 1 - The Sprint Goal is too big. (3) Solutions?

Answer 4

• splitting focus and not allowing much flexibility
  • We are working on multiple unrelated projects or initiatives
    
    • ⇒ select work based on cohesion and priority
    • ⇒ consider reducing sprint size
  • We try toencompass every Product Backlog Item (PBI)
    
    • ⇒ don’t be lazy, take the time to make a sprint goal
  • We think the team may not work as hard if the challenge isn’t big enough
    
    • ⇒ devs with find useful ways to spend the time e.g. more functionality relating to the goal

Question 5

Why this is problematic: 2 - The Sprint Goal is vague. How do we stop this?

Answer 5

• During Sprint Planning, ask “how will we know if we have achieved the Sprint Goal?
• Make the Sprint Goal measurable
• During Sprint Planning, use a consensus technique toconfirm everyone’s understanding and commitmentto the Sprint Goal.

Question 6

Why this is problematic: Solutions for: 3 - The team doesn’t pay attention to the Sprint Goal during the Sprint.

Answer 6

• Make it visible
• Teach the team totalk about progress towards the Sprint Goal in the Daily Scrum.
• facilitator can ask the team at the end of the Daily Scrum how they feel about the likelihood of achieving the Sprint Goal, if any adjustments are needed to the daily plan to refocus, or if scope needs to be negotiated
• Make the Sprint Goal a team measure and keep it visible in the team space

Question 7

Why this is problematic: Solutions for: 4 - The Sprint Goal doesn’t feel meaningful.

Answer 7

• Make itbusiness or user focused when possible - benefit?
• Make itfocused on testing business assumptions and getting feedback
  
  • PO needs early feedback to test assumptions regarding to users
• Make itfocused on reducing risk
  
  • e.g. experiment/prototype

Question 8

What type of motivation is a meaningful goal a driver for?

Answer 8

intrinsic motivation