Currently entering the fourth sprint I thought it would be a good time to give an update on being a product owner. Part-time that is as I can spend only some percent of my time to this project while I’m involved in many others at the same time.
However I learned that Scrum actually nicely allows myself not paying attention.
Ok, that’s not exactly true. But still I benefit from Scrum sprint circles and get some time off the project regularly.
For me as the PO the most intense phase of a sprint is at the very beginning and the very end where user stories are written, prioritized and put into context and where conclusions are being drawn from the former sprint.
The main middle part of a sprint where the actual implementation is taking shape requires very little of me.
I do occasionally provide missing information, make required decisions and give feedback to current developments when asked. All of this is triggered by the team or by events outside the project in case new urgent requirements fly in.
All I have to do is to make myself available and be responsive in general. Close proximity of me and the team is key.
I have plenty of time for all the other stuff I have to do and still the project rolls on at very fast pace.
Yes, I’m pretty happy with our process.
