How can you coordinate agile scaling with user stories?

1 Align user stories with strategic goals

One of the challenges of agile scaling is to ensure that all the user stories across different teams and products are aligned with the strategic goals and vision of the organization. You can use a framework like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework) or LeSS (Large-Scale Scrum) to create a hierarchy of user stories, from portfolio to program to team level, that link the user needs to the business outcomes. You can also use a tool like impact mapping to visualize how user stories contribute to the impact that you want to achieve.

2 Split user stories into manageable chunks

Another challenge of agile scaling is to split user stories into manageable chunks that can be delivered by a single team in a short iteration. You can use techniques like INVEST (Independent, Negotiable, Valuable, Estimable, Small, Testable) or SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to write good user stories that are clear, testable, and valuable. You can also use patterns like vertical slicing, story mapping, or story splitting to break down large or complex user stories into smaller and simpler ones.

3 Coordinate user stories across teams and products

A third challenge of agile scaling is to coordinate user stories across teams and products, to avoid dependencies, conflicts, and duplication. You can use a method like Scrum of Scrums or Nexus to facilitate communication and collaboration among teams, and to identify and resolve cross-cutting issues. You can also use a tool like Jira or Trello to track and manage user stories, and to visualize the progress and status of each team and product.

4 Prioritize user stories based on value and urgency

A fourth challenge of agile scaling is to prioritize user stories based on value and urgency, to deliver the most important and relevant features to the customers first. You can use a technique like MoSCoW (Must have, Should have, Could have, Won't have) or WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) to rank user stories according to their value, cost, risk, and dependency. You can also use a tool like Aha! or ProductPlan to create and update roadmaps that show the priority and timeline of user stories.

5 Review and refine user stories regularly

A fifth challenge of agile scaling is to review and refine user stories regularly, to incorporate feedback, changes, and learning. You can use a practice like backlog grooming or refinement to review user stories with the stakeholders, and to clarify, update, or remove them as needed. You can also use a practice like sprint review or demo to showcase user stories that are done, and to collect feedback from the customers and users.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?