Running a Great Sprint Plan

"Great plans are all alike; every unsuccessful plan is unsuccessful in its own way."

Sprint Planning is one of the most critical events in Scrum—get it right, and the sprint is set up for success. Get it wrong, and the team will spend the next two weeks struggling.

Tonight, we’ll break down what makes a great Scrum-style Sprint Plan and give you a chance to put that knowledge into action.

We’ll start by highlighting the common ingredients of successful Sprint Plans:

• What are the necessary preconditions?
• What planning activities help ensure a smooth sprint?
• What outcomes should a well-structured plan produce?

Then, you’ll dive into a simulation where you’ll plan a sprint for a simple project. In two rounds of planning, you’ll test your approach, get feedback, and refine your plan.

• Introduction (5 mins) – Welcome and set the scene
• Pro Tips for Great Sprint Plans (10 mins) – A focused presentation on key success factors
• Sprint Planning Simulation, Round 1 (20 mins) – Try your first plan based on what you already know
• Reflection & Tip Sheet Handout (15 mins) – How did your plan compare to best practices?
• Sprint Planning Simulation, Round 2 (15 mins) – Apply the insights and run another planning session
• Debrief & Personal Action Plan (15 mins) – Reflect on the experience and set goals for better sprint planning

By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer framework for running effective Sprint Planning sessions, hands-on experience, and practical takeaways you can apply immediately.