Lecture Notes: Backlog Grooming

Introduction

• Speaker: Sierra from Product Plan
• Topic: Backlog Grooming in Agile Product Management
• Purpose: Address common questions about backlog grooming
  • What is backlog grooming?
  • What does a backlog grooming session entail?
  • Why is backlog grooming important?

What is Backlog Grooming?

• Helps product managers understand and explain strategy behind backlog items
• Facilitates team alignment

Objectives of Backlog Grooming Sessions

1. Break Down User Stories
   • Split into smaller, manageable tasks
2. Discuss Each User Story
   • Ensure team alignment and understanding
3. Meet Definition of Ready
   • Make sure user stories meet team's criteria
4. Estimate and Assign Story Points
   • Sometimes done during sessions

Benefits

• Keeps backlog healthy and organized
• Prevents backlog from becoming unmanageable

Process

• Prioritization: User stories are prioritized with detailed ones at the top

Who Runs the Sessions?

• Main Facilitators: Product Manager or Product Owner
• Alternate Facilitators: Scrum Master or Project Manager

Responsibilities of the Session Leader

1. Schedule the meeting and invite key participants
2. Keep conversation on track
3. Move conversation forward
4. Follow-up Email to ensure everyone is aligned

Key Participants

• Facilitator
• Product Owner
• Product Team Member
• Delivery Team/Involved Stakeholder
• Limit attendance to necessary individuals to avoid too many opinions

Ideal Session Duration

• Length: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Efficiency: Key to successful sessions

Preparation for Sessions

1. Review Objectives
2. Consult Stakeholders
3. Revisit Key Metrics
   • Helps identify and prioritize important backlog items

Outcomes

• Prioritization of next 2-3 sprints
• Ability to explain priorities clearly

Conclusion

• Encouragement to access additional resources linked below the video
• End of session with an invitation to explore further materials