Tag: smart

Best Practices for Creating a Strong Product Backlog

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At the core of every successful agile project lies a well-defined product backlog. This list includes all the items that need to be delivered as a part of the solution, and it is typically made up of features, requirements, or user stories. These items are ranked in order of importance to the customer or the business. Think of it like a shopping catalog, where you circle the things you want, but not everything is guaranteed to be delivered.

The product backlog can be stored in a variety of formats, such as a spreadsheet, a requirements management tool, or even a physical list. What’s important is that it’s consistently maintained and adjusted as needed. A well-defined product backlog ensures a smooth flow of work and helps to prioritize tasks in order of business value. It also helps to eliminate unnecessary work by identifying items that are no longer required.

To ensure that your product backlog is well-defined, keep in mind the acronym SMART:

Specific

Each item on the product backlog should be specific and clear, outlining what needs to be accomplished and why it’s important. For example, instead of listing “Improve website usability,” you might list “Reduce the number of steps required to complete a purchase on the website from 5 to 3.” The more specific your item is, the easier it is to determine its relevance and priority.

Measurable

In order to track progress and prioritize work, each item on the backlog should be measurable. This means that you should be able to quantify the work required and estimate how long it will take to complete. For example, you might estimate that reducing the number of steps to complete a purchase will take 2 weeks of development time. By estimating the time required for each item, you can accurately predict the completion date and make more informed decisions.

Achievable

While it’s important to dream big, each item on the backlog should also be achievable within the constraints of your team and resources. Make sure that each item is realistic and can be accomplished with the time and resources you have available. Setting unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and ultimately, project failure.

Relevant

Only items that are relevant to the project’s goals and objectives should be included in the product backlog. This means that each item should be tied to a specific business need or customer problem that needs to be addressed. By keeping the backlog relevant, you can ensure that your team is working on tasks that are aligned with the project’s goals.

Time-bound

Finally, each item on the product backlog should be time-bound and have a clear deadline or target completion date. For example, you might set a goal to complete the website purchase improvement project within the next 3 months. By setting clear deadlines, you can motivate your team and ensure that each item is completed in a timely manner.

By following these guidelines and creating a SMART product backlog, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a successful project. Remember, a well-defined product backlog is an essential part of any successful project, and it ensures that your team is working on tasks that are aligned with your project’s goals and objectives.

Scrum for Project Managers E-Book (PDF) 1.0

Poor Performance of a Team Member

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When a team member is not performing well, it can have a significant negative impact on the overall performance of the team. In Scrum, it is essential to address poor performance as soon as possible to ensure that the team can meet its goals and deliver value to the customer.

Managing the poor performance of a team member in Scrum involves a series of steps that are designed to help the team member improve their performance while ensuring that the team can continue to meet its objectives. Here are the steps that can be taken to manage poor performance of a team member in Scrum:

  1. Identify the problem: The first step is to identify the problem. This can be done by analyzing the team’s performance data, observing the team member’s behavior, and getting feedback from other team members. It is essential to understand the root cause of the poor performance to determine the most effective way to address it.
  2. Communicate with the team member: Once the problem has been identified, it is important to communicate with the team member. This can be done through a one-on-one meeting or a team meeting. During the meeting, it is important to clearly explain the concerns about their performance and its impact on the team’s overall performance. It is also essential to listen to the team member’s perspective and understand their challenges, concerns, and feedback.
  3. Set expectations: During the meeting, it is important to set clear expectations for the team member. This includes outlining what is expected of them in terms of their role, responsibilities, and performance. The expectations should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
  4. Provide support: It is important to provide support to the team member to help them improve their performance. This can include providing training, coaching, or mentoring. The support should be tailored to the team member’s specific needs and should be designed to help them address the root cause of their poor performance.
  5. Monitor progress: After setting expectations and providing support, it is important to monitor the team member’s progress. This can be done through regular check-ins, performance reviews, and feedback from other team members. The monitoring should be ongoing and should be designed to help the team member stay on track and make progress towards meeting the expectations that have been set.
  6. Take action if necessary: If the team member’s performance does not improve despite the support provided, it may be necessary to take further action. This can include reassigning tasks, providing more training, or, in extreme cases, removing the team member from the team. It is important to take action in a timely and respectful manner, and to communicate clearly with the team member about the reasons for the action and the implications for the team.

By following these steps, the poor performance of a team member can be effectively managed in Scrum, ensuring that the team can meet its goals and deliver value to the customer. Managing poor performance is an ongoing process, and it requires a continuous focus on improvement and a commitment to helping team members reach their full potential.

Scrum for Project Managers E-Book (PDF) 1.0