Scrum is designed to empower teams, enhance collaboration, and increase adaptability.
Yet, many teams fall into the trap of pre-assigning tasks at the start of a Sprint, believing it boosts efficiency.
While the intention is good, this approach contradicts Scrum’s core principles and hampers performance.
Developers are always accountable for:
Creating a plan for the Sprint, the Sprint Backlog;
Instilling quality by adhering to a Definition of Done;
Adapting their plan each day toward the Sprint Goal; and,
Holding each other accountable as professionals
Pre-assigning tasks undermines self-management, reduces adaptability, and shifts focus away from the Sprint Goal. Instead of rigid task assignments, a more dynamic approach strengthens collaboration and accelerates value delivery.
Scrum is Built on Self-Management
Self-management is a core tenet of Scrum.
According to the Scrum Guide, teams decide internally who does what, when, and how.
Pre-assigning tasks violates this principle by imposing decisions externally rather than letting the team determine the best way to work.
When team members choose their own tasks, they feel more involved, which can lead to higher motivation and better results.
Conversely, pre-assigned work can force people into tasks that don’t align with their strengths or availability, reducing engagement and productivity.
Pre-assignment Reduces Adaptability
Scrum is designed for complex, evolving work.
Tasks often change as new insights emerge during a Sprint.
Pre-assigning tasks locks people into work that may no longer be the best use of their time or skills.
For example, if a developer is pre-assigned a backlog item but a critical issue arises elsewhere, a flexible approach would enable them to pivot to the higher-priority work.
Rigid pre-assignment creates bottlenecks and inefficiencies, limiting a team’s ability to respond to real-time challenges.
It Undermines Team Collaboration
High-performing Scrum Teams thrive on collaboration.
When tasks are pre-assigned, team members tend to work in isolation rather than as a collective unit.
This shifts focus from a shared Sprint Goal to individual to-do lists, diminishing teamwork.
Instead of pre-assigning, teams should swarm on work—focusing on the most critical tasks together.
Swarming improves knowledge sharing, reduces bottlenecks, and accelerates value delivery.
When teams dynamically select work, they naturally collaborate more.
Focus Should Be on the Sprint Goal, Not Individual Tasks
Scrum isn’t about completing isolated tasks but delivering a valuable increment that aligns with the Sprint Goal.
Pre-assigning tasks shifts focus from team success to personal task completion.
When teams fixate on individual assignments, they risk losing sight of the bigger picture.
Instead of asking, “What tasks do I need to finish?” teams should ask, “How can we achieve the Sprint Goal together?”
Dynamic task selection ensures that the most critical work gets attention first.
It Reduces Transparency and Limits Empiricism
Scrum is built on empiricism—inspecting progress and adapting as needed.
Pre-assigned tasks create an illusion of progress but limit the team's ability to shift focus when priorities change.
Transparency is also compromised.
When team members pull tasks dynamically, it provides a real-time picture of what’s happening.
Pre-assignment, on the other hand, can mask misalignment between work in progress and actual business value.
By allowing flexible task selection, teams can adjust based on real-world feedback and evolving priorities.
Avoiding the Silo Mentality
Pre-assigned work can create silos, where each team member focuses only on their designated tasks.
This is dangerous when unforeseen dependencies arise or when someone gets stuck.
A more fluid approach encourages cross-functionality and resilience.
If a key team member is unavailable, others can step in and help.
Teams that embrace flexibility reduce dependencies and create a more adaptable workflow.
Pre-assignment Reduces Opportunities for Growth
One of Scrum’s most significant benefits is skill development.
When tasks are pre-assigned based on past work, team members miss opportunities to grow.
Dynamic task selection lets developers step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and expand their expertise.
This not only benefits individuals but strengthens the team as a whole.
What to Do Instead? Best Practices for Assigning Work in Scrum
Since Pre-assigning tasks is not ideal, what should teams do instead?
1. Pull Work Dynamically
Let team members pull work when ready, ensuring a steady flow and focusing on high-priority items.
2. Encourage Swarming
Encourage multiple developers to collaborate on backlog items to boost collaboration and reduce bottlenecks.
3. Use the Daily Scrum for Coordination
The Daily Scrum is an opportunity to inspect progress and adjust task assignments based on current needs.
4. Prioritise the Sprint Goal Over Individual Tasks
Success is measured by achieving the Sprint Goal, not by finishing isolated tasks. Flexibility is key.
5. Foster Cross-Functionality
Encourage team members to pick up different types of work to build a more resilient, adaptable team.
6. Leverage Visualisation Tools
Use a Kanban board or similar tool to make task selection transparent and dynamic.
Let the Team Decide
Pre-assigning tasks may seem like a way to improve organisation, but it limits flexibility, reduces collaboration, and undermines self-management.
Instead, teams should embrace dynamic task selection, focus on the Sprint Goal, and foster a culture of adaptability.
By implementing these best practices, your team will become more engaged, resilient, and capable of delivering higher-value outcomes.
Next time you're in Sprint Planning, resist the urge to pre-assign tasks.
Empower your team to decide how best to succeed—together.