The Day After PI: What to Focus on Post PI Planning?

Hey everyone! Welcome to the 10th Edition of our newsletter— The Scaled Agile Press!??? It's an initiative by Agilemania for all the SAFe? practitioners and enthusiasts.

??What is PI Planning?

PI (Program Increment) Planning is a cornerstone of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). It's a cadence-based event that brings together your entire Agile Release Train (ART) – teams, stakeholders, and leadership – to align on a shared mission and vision for the upcoming program increment (typically 8-12 weeks).

??Post-PI Planning

Let's be real - Post-PI Planning isn't just about patting ourselves on the back (though you totally should). It's a crucial step in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) that can make or break your next PI. Here's what you should be focusing on:

?? Summarize Those Results

First things first, gather your Solution Train crew and go over what went down during PI Planning. This isn't just rehashing old news - it's about creating a solid foundation for your next moves.

• Review each Agile Release Train's (ART) PI objectives
• Update that solution planning board
• Tackle any lingering risks or dependencies

?? Fine-Tune Your Solution-Level Plan

Remember that confidence vote you took? If it wasn't a resounding "heck yeah!", now's the time to address those concerns. Rework plans if needed, even if it means some follow-up with ARTs. Better to iron out the kinks now than mid-sprint, right?

?? Update Your Roadmap

Take those shiny new PI objectives and use them to refresh your solution roadmap. This keeps everyone aligned on the big picture and helps manage stakeholder expectations.

?? Plan Your Solution Demo

The solution demo is your chance to show off all that hard work. Start planning now to make sure it packs a punch and gives stakeholders the insights they need.

?? Retrospective Time

Don't skip this step! A quick retro on the pre- and post-PI planning sessions can help you level up your game for next time. What worked? What didn't? How can you make the next round even better?

?? Look Ahead

Set the stage for your upcoming Solution Train activities. This might include:

1. Finalizing schedules
2. Setting up agile project management tools
3. Planning for the next round of pre-PI planning?

Remember, the goal here is to keep that momentum going and set your team up for a killer PI execution.

Post-PI Planning isn't just busy work - it's your secret weapon for turning those PI objectives into reality. By focusing on these key areas, you're setting yourself up for a smoother, more productive PI.

So, take a deep breath, grab another cup of coffee, and dive in. Your future self (and your stakeholders) will thank you!

??Agile Tip of the Week?

Keep your user stories simple. Focus on the core value each story delivers. Avoid overcomplicating with unnecessary details. Remember: a good user story should be clear, concise, and actionable. Simplicity leads to faster, more efficient development.

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