Exploring the 'Definition of Ready' in Scrum and Kanban processes, rethinking its concept in Agile Product Management, and emphasizing the importance of conditioning flow and right sizing in Agile workflows.
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Quick takeaways
Having a clear definition of ready, alongside the definition of done, is crucial for predictability and success in Scrum and Kanban teams.
Right sizing the work and establishing entry criteria into the workflow promotes agility, adaptability, and the ability to respond to changing needs in project management.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Definition of Ready
The episode discusses the need for a clearer emphasis on the concept of 'definition of ready' in Scrum and Kanban. The guest speaker raises the point that while 'done' is widely discussed and defined in Scrum, there is less focus on when to start a task or project. The speaker argues that knowing when to start is crucial for predictability and success. They suggest that a lightweight definition of ready could include factors such as right sizing the work and ensuring sufficient capacity. By establishing entry criteria into the workflow, teams can have clearer expectations and be better equipped to deliver value.
Balancing Definition of Done and Definition of Ready
The conversation dives into the differences between defining 'done' and defining 'ready.' Done is seen as a transparency tool, providing clarity on what it means for an item to be completed and of high quality. However, definition of ready is viewed as a more project management-oriented practice, ensuring that work is right-sized, has clear acceptance criteria, and is ready to be started. The guests agree that the focus on done should not overshadow the importance of a lightweight definition of ready. They propose that this consideration be incorporated into the product backlog refinement process, promoting discussion and decision-making about when to start work.
Evolution of Definition of Ready and Right Sizing
The final part of the episode explores the concept of right sizing and the need for an explicit policy for entry criteria into the workflow. The speakers suggest the term 'right sizing' as a replacement for 'definition of ready.' They propose that right sizing the work should happen just-in-time, with considerations such as capacity and work item age in mind. They stress the importance of delayed decision-making while focusing on providing just the right amount of detail. This approach promotes agility, adaptability, and the ability to respond to changing needs. They highlight the value of having clear narratives and reasoning behind the decision to start work.
Is having a Definition of Ready really such a bad idea? Dan asked Todd and Ryan to re-think whether or not a DoR could make sense for a Scrum and Kanban team. Let's go ahead and explore the options this situation presents. This and more are discussed in today's episode of Your Daily Scrum with Todd Miller, Dan Vacanti, and Ryan Ripley.
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