When I started doing Scrum, some of my product backlog items were too big to fit into four-week sprints. Over time, I learned ways to split that work into smaller pieces. If I wanted to, I could split those long-ago huge items into product backlog items a team could complete in less than a day.

Now, when you're faced with something you consider too big to fit into a sprint, do three things.

First, try harder to find ways to split it up.

Second, if you don't succeed at splitting it, go ahead and let the item take two sprints.

Third, feel a little guilty about letting something take two sprints. I include “feel guilty” as a reminder that you don't want this to happen too often.

I can promise you that finding ways to split work does get easier the more you do it. Finding the patterns to split the common types of work for your product is worth the effort.

This video is part of a three-part series. Be sure to check out the seven mistakes Scrum Masters and product owners make by clicking the links. Don't forget to subscribe so you don't miss out on future tips to help you succeed with agile.

Thank you for watching, and I'll see you next time.