Navigating the Sprint Planning Trap

In my recent posts around productivity, I delved into how biting off more than we can chew can actually hamper our efficiency rather than bolster it. Today, let’s paint a picture of this in a real-world scenario – the all-too-familiar sprint planning session.

Picture this: You walk into sprint planning with a plan. You pick a reasonable load of tasks, and then, with the best intentions, you add a few more “just in case” stretch goals. Sounds familiar? We’ve all been there, carrying over tasks from one sprint to another, but somehow, we convince ourselves, “This time, it’s going to be different.”

The sprint kicks off, the team is energized, and everyone picks up the highest priority items. Progress is made, but soon enough, roadblocks appear. Tasks are reassigned, put on hold, but the work doesn’t stop. No one wants to be caught idle.

Time ticks on, and soon, the high-priority tasks that were put on hold are screaming for attention. The sprint’s end is looming, and we scramble to unblock, finish, and ship. Some tasks make it; others don’t. And then, we're on to the next sprint, with product waiting and more tasks piling up.

So, what are we doing wrong? We are:

1. Prioritizing action over results
2. Chasing local efficiencies (staying busy) rather than global efficiencies (delivering value)

🛠 How do we break the cycle?

👉 Start with less. Focus on shipping before starting new tasks.
👉 Implement Work-In-Process limits to resist the temptation to take on too much.
👉 Use any “idle” time productively – invest in yourself, read a book, learn a new skill.