Bringing Music to PI Planning: Adding a Touch of Magic to Agile Events

As an RTE (Release Train Engineer) within the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), I once thought it might be fun to play a quick song before kicking off our large and very serious PI Planning meeting. I’m no professional musician—just a seasoned hobbyist who enjoys dabbling in guitar, piano, saxophone, and even cavaquinho from time to time.

Using ice-breakers or energizers to start PI Planning was standard practice, and as RTE, I typically created something engaging the day before. But this time, I decided to bring a guitar and sing a lighthearted tune. After a quick rehearsal, I adjusted the lyrics for added fun, and the next day, I surprised everyone with a song. The reaction was fantastic—people laughed, the room felt lighter, and, as an ice-breaker, it was incredibly effective.

So, I did it again next time. And once again, it was well-received.

This experience inspired me to spend more time with my music, practicing more complex songs and enjoying the process. It turned out to be a win-win: I was enriching my musical skills while bringing energy to our meetings. Now, it’s become a regular ritual that both I and the team enjoy.

There’s a risk, of course—think of The Office scenes where Michael attempts musical moments that land in the “cringe” zone! But I believe that as long as you’re having fun, it’s often enough to bring that joy to your audience. A word to the wise: feedback from trusted peers can be invaluable to help keep things authentic and enjoyable.

To all my fellow musicians out there: bring your music to work! You might be surprised by the joy it brings. It’s a wonderful opportunity to play for an audience, and it could help you grow as a musician too.

For anyone in our MB Sirius ART, if you’d like a stage for 3 minutes, reach out! I’d be happy to help with the setup.

Even a simple melody can add a magical layer to meetings, creating an atmosphere that words alone can’t achieve. Music has an immediate emotional impact, setting a tone that can turn a formal meeting into a warm, shared experience. It’s a unique bridge between people, breaking down barriers and fostering connection. And when used thoughtfully, even a simple tune can mark transitions, start new discussions, or offer refreshing pauses.

Taking time to add music shows intentionality and thoughtfulness, making attendees feel valued and creating a memorable, shared moment. The beauty is that it doesn’t have to be polished; sometimes, a raw, simple melody is more human and relatable. In this way, music brings a unique touch of magic to gatherings that’s both enjoyable and enduring.

So, whether you’re a seasoned musician or just enjoy strumming a few chords, don’t hesitate to share your music with your team. It doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to be authentic. In the end, music has a way of bringing people together, creating connections that make work not only productive but also enjoyable. So, take a chance, pick up that instrument, and let the music bring a little extra magic to your day.