When it comes to agile project management, Planning Poker has become a popular technique for estimating the effort required to complete tasks. It is a fun and interactive way to get team members involved in the estimation process.
However, if the steps are not followed correctly, it can lead to inaccurate estimates and delays in project delivery. In this article, we will discuss the correct order of steps during Planning Poker.
Step 1: Set the Stage
Before starting the estimation process, it is important to set the stage by explaining the purpose of Planning Poker and how it works. The facilitator should also provide an overview of the user stories or tasks that need to be estimated.
Step 2: Explain User Stories or Tasks
The facilitator should explain each user story or task that needs to be estimated. This ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of what needs to be done.
Step 3: Discuss User Stories or Tasks
After explaining each user story or task, team members should have an open discussion about it. This is a chance for team members to ask questions and clarify any doubts they may have.
Step 4: Estimate User Stories or Tasks
Once there has been a thorough discussion about each user story or task, it is time for team members to estimate them using Planning Poker cards. Each team member should select a card that represents their estimate for the effort required to complete the task.
Step 5: Reveal Estimates
Once all team members have selected their cards, they should reveal their estimates simultaneously. This ensures that no one is influenced by other team members’ estimates.
Step 6: Discuss Outliers
If there are any outliers (estimates that are significantly higher or lower than others), then they should be discussed further. Team members can explain their reasoning behind their estimates and come to a consensus on what the estimate should be.
Step 7: Repeat Steps 3-6 Until Consensus Is Reached
If there is no consensus on the estimate, then steps 3-6 should be repeated until a consensus is reached. It is important to note that the goal of Planning Poker is not to get an accurate estimate but rather to facilitate a discussion among team members.
Step 8: Record Estimates
Once a consensus has been reached, the facilitator should record the estimates for each user story or task. This ensures that everyone knows what the estimates are and can plan accordingly.
In conclusion, Planning Poker can be an effective way to estimate effort required for tasks in agile project management. However, it is important to follow the correct order of steps to ensure accurate estimates and timely project delivery. By setting the stage, explaining user stories or tasks, discussing them, estimating them, revealing estimates, discussing outliers, repeating steps 3-6 until consensus is reached, and recording estimates, team members can work together to achieve project success.
