Why 70–80% Sprint Success Rate Works in Agile: Know About HelloSM Sprint Planning Guide
Why 70–80% Sprint Success Rate Works in Agile: Know About HelloSM Sprint Planning Guide
Blog Article
Sprint planning is the most significant event in the Scrum framework. It determines the rhythm and pace for the whole sprint and gets the development team and product owner aligned on a common set of deliverables. But then what should be the objective of sprint planning in Agile? Is it necessary that the team always finish all the activities that were planned or the team always achieve the sprint goal?
The majority consider the sole success criteria to be completing 100% of the sprint backlog items or success in the sprint goal per attempt. Industry experts however, believe that this approach would rather kill the learning and adaptability of the team.
Reconsidering Sprint Planning Targets
Traditionally, Agile teams have been instructed that a successful sprint occurs only when the whole list in the sprint backlog is done or the sprint goal has been met. That's a very technical definition of success, though. Real-world successful sprint planning should encourage teams to push themselves, to change rapidly, and to plan realistically.
If a team accomplishes all its objectives, every single time, then they are probably playing it too safe. This leads to tedium, stagnation, and not tapping into the team's potential. Mike Cohn opines that 70–80% completion brings predictability and stretch into balance.
Why 70–80% Completion Is Best?
When 70–80% of what the teams want to provide is provided, then the teams are specifying ambitious but achievable goals. Here's why this is a good idea:
- Enjoys Taking Risks: Teams will not shy away from putting in some hard work during the sprint.
- Supports Learning: By trying harder even when they can fail, teams get more resilient and learn.
- Creates Predictability: Stakeholders know full well about progress without hoping for perfection.
- Saves Time Spent on Planning: Teams are able to cruise through sprint planning sessions with ease without getting obsessed with each item to perfection.
This model applies to real-world applications. Picture assuring a friend that you will get there by 6 PM. You probably intend to try your best, but you're not promising anything. The same applies to sprint planning sessions—commitments, not promises.
What If Stakeholders Need Certainty?
At times, stakeholders require certainty of delivery—e.g., where there is a high-stakes product launch or customer commitments. In such situations, teams can plan cautiously, including only those items that they have a strong, solid conviction about. Or they can divide core commitments from stretch goals. Stretch goals are a bonus, if the team finishes the primary items early, they can add the bonuses.
Sprint Planning Meeting Agenda
A standard sprint planning meeting agenda has
- Reviewing the product backlog.
- Setting the sprint goal.
- Choosing items for the sprint backlog.
- Breaking items into tasks.
- Confirming the team's commitment.
Team members can utilize a sprint planning template to make the process easier and get everyone to agree on the goal of the sprint in a streamlined manner.
The Value of Flexibility
By not insisting on 100% delivery each sprint, teams leave room for creativity, learning, and responsiveness. With the flexibility, teams can develop into high-performing teams and maintain the Agile process as sustainable.
Learn Agile the Right Way
For acquiring and comprehending concepts such as sprint planning, sprint reviews, and sprint retrospectives in the right manner, the direction is required. If you want to start a career in Scrum seriously, be a part of the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad — HelloSM.
HelloSM is also one of the best Scrum training institutes in India, offering practical learning, master mentoring, and international certification. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, HelloSM allows you to learn fundamental Agile concepts using real-life examples and templates such as goal of sprint planning template, sprint planning example, etc.
The objective of sprint planning is not to be perfect but aligned, flexible, and improve every time. You can be a product owner, Scrum Master, or team member, but adopting a 70–80% success mindset allows wiser planning, reduced stress, and greater innovation. To step up your Scrum knowledge, join HelloSM, top scrum training institute in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sprint planning performed in Agile?
To find out what has to be done in the next sprint and how it would be done. It brings everyone into alignment on goals and deliverables.
Why is it not always best to finish 100% of sprint items?
Because it can lead to very conservative planning. Teams might not venture out and attempt difficult things just to get a 100%.
What is a reasonable success rate for sprints?
An ideal 70–80% completion ratio. It encourages predictability without preventing teams from stretching and challenging. Report this page