“Simplicity – the art of maximizing the amount of work not done – is essential.” – The principles of the Agile Manifesto
The Scrum framework is often compared to a structuring guide for agile teams. Like any structure, Scrum has its guardians, principles that ensure teams stay on track. These gatekeepers are even more crucial when it comes to delivering a product increment each sprint. Here are some of the essential safeguards to put in place to ensure delivery of an increment at the end of each sprint.
1. Clear and shared Definition of Done (DoD) :
The DoD is a set of criteria that the increment must meet before being considered “complete”. It is crucial to ensure that what is delivered is of high quality and meets the standards set by the team and stakeholders. A DoD that is clearly defined and shared by everyone helps avoid surprises at the end of the sprint.
2. Rigorous sprint planning :
Good planning is the basis of any successful sprint. When planning, the team should ensure that they only commit to what they can achieve. Estimating tasks using story points and understanding the team’s capabilities are essential at this stage.
3. Strict product backlog prioritization :
Ensure the Product Owner prioritizes the backlog effectively, focusing on the items that deliver the most value to the customer. This ensures that the team is always working on the most relevant tasks.
4. Daily progress review (Daily Scrum) :
The Daily Scrum is a way for the team to ensure that it is on track to achieve its sprint goals. Any deviation from planning must be identified and addressed promptly.
5. Regular inspection and adaptation :
Scrum is based on a cycle of inspection and adaptation. If the team identifies obstacles or potential improvements, it should take the time to address them, adapting as necessary to ensure delivery of the increment.
6. Close collaboration with stakeholders :
Open and regular communication with stakeholders, particularly during sprint reviews, ensures that the delivered increment meets expectations and allows adjustments to be made in real time.
7. Focus on technical quality :
Adopting technical best practices, such as continuous integration, automated testing and refactoring, ensures that the increment is not only functional but also technically sound.
Conclusion
Ensuring delivery of an increment at the end of each sprint requires discipline, communication and rigorous adoption of Scrum principles. By putting these guardrails in place, teams can ensure they stay aligned with their goals and consistently deliver value to their customers.
Reference:
For more details on the importance of guardrails in Scrum, see the book “Scrum Mastery: From Good To Great Servant-Leadership” by Geoff Watts.