What is backlog grooming?
Also referred to as “Story time” sessions, the main purpose of the backlog grooming session is to make improvements in the product backlog and rearrange the items as per new priorities presented by the stakeholders and the investors. Grooming sessions are also held to recheck the product backlog items or the “PBI”s as to whether they contain the necessary information which can aid in developing the user stories in a perfect manner by the development team. The official scrum guide does not venture to define exactly what a backlog grooming session is since the “grooming” can vary from project to project and management to management. The process cannot be standardized to suit all types of projects and all requirements. However, in a nutshell, the grooming session can be used to:
Also referred to as “Story time” sessions, the main purpose of the backlog grooming session is to make improvements in the product backlog and rearrange the items as per new priorities presented by the stakeholders and the investors. Grooming sessions are also held to recheck the product backlog items or the “PBI”s as to whether they contain the necessary information which can aid in developing the user stories in a perfect manner by the development team. The official scrum guide does not venture to define exactly what a backlog grooming session is since the “grooming” can vary from project to project and management to management. The process cannot be standardized to suit all types of projects and all requirements. However, in a nutshell, the grooming session can be used to:
- Write the user stories from scratch if they are not properly defined or described in the product backlog
- Re-prioritize the user stories contained in the product backlog on the basis of recent updates availed from the stakeholders
- Break down large user stories or “epics” into smaller parts
- Estimate or update the story points associated with the PBIs
- Add new or updated acceptance criteria
- Analyze the backlog for technical planning
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| Product Backlog Grooming In Scrum |
Why are backlog grooming sessions necessary?
One of the common problems experienced by team members while scrum is being implemented, and one which often troubles the stakeholders and the management to a large extent is that the sprint planning meetings seem to last forever, and even after investing proper time and efforts, issues and problems still tend to arise and persist during the sprint activity. It can lead to frustrations for the team members since scrum methodology supports time bound functioning of various constituent processes, and a particular activity cannot extend beyond the time allotted for it to function. Scrum advises time boxing of all related processes, especially the sprint activity. One of the commonest causes why problems occur during scrum implementation is because the product backlog is not properly “groomed” to perfection, and the user stories are not correctly defined or prioritized. It is very important to hold grooming sessions to verify and re-validate the product backlog items from time to time so that a true value of ownership is reflected in the user stories, and the project is completed in a cost effective manner.
One of the common problems experienced by team members while scrum is being implemented, and one which often troubles the stakeholders and the management to a large extent is that the sprint planning meetings seem to last forever, and even after investing proper time and efforts, issues and problems still tend to arise and persist during the sprint activity. It can lead to frustrations for the team members since scrum methodology supports time bound functioning of various constituent processes, and a particular activity cannot extend beyond the time allotted for it to function. Scrum advises time boxing of all related processes, especially the sprint activity. One of the commonest causes why problems occur during scrum implementation is because the product backlog is not properly “groomed” to perfection, and the user stories are not correctly defined or prioritized. It is very important to hold grooming sessions to verify and re-validate the product backlog items from time to time so that a true value of ownership is reflected in the user stories, and the project is completed in a cost effective manner.
How to hold effective product backlog grooming sessions?
A couple of guideline can help you conduct a meaningful and effective product backlog grooming session:
A couple of guideline can help you conduct a meaningful and effective product backlog grooming session:
Have a clear goal
During the grooming session, the product owner should maintain an attitude which says “This is exactly what I want to accomplish today” and proceed with that attitude during the session. It is very important to be clear as to exactly for what reason the session is to be held, and what needs to be accomplished from it. The goal of holding the grooming session should be clear, not only to the product owner, but also to the team members participating in the session.
During the grooming session, the product owner should maintain an attitude which says “This is exactly what I want to accomplish today” and proceed with that attitude during the session. It is very important to be clear as to exactly for what reason the session is to be held, and what needs to be accomplished from it. The goal of holding the grooming session should be clear, not only to the product owner, but also to the team members participating in the session.
Explain the user stories and plan for the next sprint
Carry out the grooming session in a manner such that everyone feels involved and becomes clear about the goals associated with the user stories in the product backlog. The product owner should ensure that each team member has a clear understanding regarding the goals linked with the stories, and if any team member needs clarifications, the product owner should provide them as soon as possible. The product owner should also explain the objectives and specify the goals to be achieved in the next sprint to be carried out after the sprint planning meeting. This helps the team members to prepare for the sprint planning meeting to be held after the grooming session.
Carry out the grooming session in a manner such that everyone feels involved and becomes clear about the goals associated with the user stories in the product backlog. The product owner should ensure that each team member has a clear understanding regarding the goals linked with the stories, and if any team member needs clarifications, the product owner should provide them as soon as possible. The product owner should also explain the objectives and specify the goals to be achieved in the next sprint to be carried out after the sprint planning meeting. This helps the team members to prepare for the sprint planning meeting to be held after the grooming session.
Limit the participation of stakeholders “chicken” in the session
Stakeholders and investors, often colloquially known as “chicken” in scrum have the right to attend the sessions. The product owner should instruct the stakeholders to participate as passive listeners and not volunteer any opinions, or try to influence the session in any way or manner. The person should further limit their numbers to a bare minimum so that enough space is available to conduct the session in a healthy and easy manner without any hindrances from the guests.
Stakeholders and investors, often colloquially known as “chicken” in scrum have the right to attend the sessions. The product owner should instruct the stakeholders to participate as passive listeners and not volunteer any opinions, or try to influence the session in any way or manner. The person should further limit their numbers to a bare minimum so that enough space is available to conduct the session in a healthy and easy manner without any hindrances from the guests.
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