Velocity and capacity are important metrics in Agile project management, particularly in Scrum. They provide insights into a team’s productivity and help with planning and forecasting. However, when it comes to a new Scrum team, calculating velocity can be challenging since there is no historical data to base it on. In this article, we will explore the concept of velocity, its purpose, and how to approach it for a fresh Scrum team.
The Purpose of Velocity
Velocity is a measure of the amount of work a team can complete within a sprint. It is calculated by dividing the total work completed in previous sprints by the number of sprints. Velocity allows teams to forecast how much work they can accomplish in future sprints and assists in estimating project timelines. However, its true value lies in its ability to help the team make informed decisions and adjust their plans based on empirical evidence.
Challenges for a New Scrum Team: When dealing with a new team, calculating velocity becomes problematic. Without any previous sprints, there is no historical data to calculate velocity accurately. The team lacks experience working together and may still be in the process of establishing a rhythm and understanding their capabilities. Simply applying the traditional velocity formula would not yield meaningful results.
Rethinking Velocity for a New Team: Rather than focusing on calculating velocity for a new team, it is more valuable to shift the focus towards building a foundation of collaboration, learning, and improvement. The initial sprints for a new team should be seen as an opportunity to explore and understand the work, refine the backlog, and establish effective communication and collaboration channels.
Instead of fixating on velocity, the team and stakeholders should prioritise other aspects of Agile development, such as:
- Building a Strong Foundation: Emphasise the importance of creating a shared understanding of the project vision, goals, and scope. Facilitate discussions and workshops to align the team’s expectations and establish a solid foundation for future sprints.
- Sprint Planning and Backlog Refinement: Invest time in detailed sprint planning and backlog refinement sessions. Encourage the team to break down user stories into smaller, manageable tasks and estimate them collectively. This practice helps the team understand the work better and uncover potential challenges or dependencies.
- Focus on Learning and Adaptation: Encourage a culture of continuous improvement and learning. The team should reflect on their work at the end of each sprint, identify areas for improvement, and experiment with different techniques and practices to enhance their effectiveness.
- Collaborative Efforts: Foster a collaborative environment where team members can openly communicate and support each other. Encourage cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing to harness the collective intelligence of the team.
- Iterative Approach: Adopt an iterative mindset where each sprint is treated as an opportunity to inspect and adapt. Focus on delivering incremental value and seek feedback from stakeholders regularly to ensure alignment and course correction.
For a new Scrum team, calculating velocity in the traditional sense may not be the most productive approach. Instead, the team should concentrate on establishing a solid foundation of collaboration, learning, and improvement. By prioritising effective sprint planning, backlog refinement, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the team will gradually gain insights into their capabilities and be better equipped to estimate and forecast accurately. Remember, velocity is not an end in itself but a means to support the team’s decision-making and improve their ability to deliver value consistently.