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David Sabine's avatar

Great summary of how the Product Backlog drives a paradigm shift (compared to pre-Scrum patterns). A few observations:

1. Myth: Backlogs are to-do lists.

Reality: They are strategic instruments. As you note, the backlog isn’t just a container of work; it’s a decision-making framework enabling value delivery and adaptability.

2. Clear responsibility = faster pivots.

The Product Owner is solely accountable for the sequence and content of the Product Backlog.

3. OODA > Waterfall.

The Sprint events enable fast Observe–Orient–Decide–Act cycles.

Thanks for the thoughtful post.

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Joe Butson's avatar

Thanks David. Your very substantive additions are very thoughtful. I am sorry to delay in responding. Try as I might, often, Product teams without a strategy driving their decisions, make Product Backlogs a "to do list" and miss out out on the power of a "value delivery."

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Vasco Duarte's avatar

Great post to remind us there is power in going back to basics and thinking about how simple tools can have a transformative impact!

Well done.

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Joe Butson's avatar

Than you kindly sir. I believe we are much aligned and would welcome an opportunity to discuss further at some point.

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