From the #Scrum Guide: ‘The Scrum Team turns a selection of the work into an Increment of value.’ But what does ‘a selection of’ really mean in practice?
From Cambridge Dictionary:
‘Selection’: “the act of choosing someone or something.”
In Scrum, this act of choosing is not done by one person alone—it’s a collaborative effort by the entire Scrum Team.
It’s a Team Effort
While the Product Owner brings a value-driven perspective, the Developers contribute their technical insights, and together, they decide on the most impactful work. The Product Owner doesn’t make this decision alone, and the backlog doesn’t have to consist only of features to implement. Instead, it’s better filled with:
• Problems to Solve
• Outcomes to Achieve
• Hypotheses to Prove
(See my earlier musing on Backlogs.)
The decision is influenced by several factors. Here are some non-limiting examples:
• Value: The Product Owner focuses on maximizing the value of the product and reducing business risks.
• Risk: High-risk items are often selected earlier to clarify uncertainties and manage potential challenges.
• Effort: The Developers consider the amount of work required and balance it with the available capacity for the Sprint.
• Dependencies: While technical dependencies may influence the selection, they should be carefully examined and challenged to avoid unnecessary constraints.
Whatever is selected, it should bring the team one step closer to the Product Goal.
The Importance of Shared Understanding
The selection process depends on the Scrum Team’s shared understanding of the entire context: the product, the market, the technology, and each other. This understanding evolves over time and through collaboration, making the process smoother and more effective. The clearer the next goal to reach, the easier the selection becomes.
Ultimately, selecting work is about moving one step closer to the Product Goal.
How does your Scrum Team collaborate to choose the right work? Are you maximizing value, managing risk, and working toward a shared goal?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
I hope you find value in these short articles and if you are looking for more clarifications, feel free to take contact.
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Wishing you an inspiring read and a wonderful journey.
Scrum on!
