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Sprint Planning

Definition

A Scrum event held at the start of each sprint in which the team selects items from the product backlog, discusses how they will be delivered, and forecasts what can be completed. The PM presents the priorities and context; the team negotiates scope based on capacity. Effective sprint planning results in a shared commitment and a clear plan for the upcoming sprint.

Why It Matters for Product Managers

Understanding sprint planning helps product managers make better decisions about what to build, how to measure success, and where to focus limited resources. Teams that master this concept ship more effectively and maintain stronger alignment between business goals and user needs.

How It Works in Practice

Engineering and product teams leverage this practice by integrating it into their regular workflow:

  • Adopt — Agree as a team on how and when to apply this practice, making it an explicit part of the team's working agreement.
  • Execute — Follow through consistently, treating the practice as a non-negotiable part of how the team operates.
  • Inspect — Regularly evaluate whether the practice is delivering the expected benefits and surface any friction.
  • Adapt — Adjust the approach based on what the team learns, keeping what works and discarding what does not.

    • The value of sprint planning compounds over time. Teams that commit to it consistently see improvements in velocity, quality, and cross-functional alignment.

    Common Pitfalls

  • Treating the practice as overhead rather than recognizing the quality and velocity benefits it provides.
  • Implementing the process without buy-in from the full cross-functional team.
  • Letting the process become rigid and bureaucratic instead of adapting it as the team learns and grows.

    • Related Concepts

    To build a more complete picture, explore these related concepts: Sprint, Backlog, Story Points, and Velocity. Each connects to this term and together they form a toolkit that product managers draw on daily.

    Related Terms

    SprintBacklogStory PointsVelocity

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is sprint planning in product management?+
    A Scrum event held at the start of each sprint in which the team selects items from the product backlog, discusses how they will be delivered, and forecasts what can be completed. Product managers use this concept to make more informed decisions and deliver better outcomes for users and the business.
    Why is sprint planning important for product teams?+
    Sprint Planning is important because it provides structure and alignment that enable teams to ship faster, reduce waste, and maintain quality. Teams that adopt this practice consistently see improvements in collaboration, predictability, and user satisfaction.
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