Cohort Activities – Backlog is One’s Best Friend
Backlog Reframing Exercise
Objective
Practice reframing the perception of backlog from a source of anxiety to an opportunity for job security and growth.
Scenario #1
Participants are given a case study describing a Salesforce project with a significant backlog of work that cannot be completed in the foreseeable future. Participants will:
- Reflect on their initial emotional response to the backlog scenario and share with the group
- Discuss the potential benefits of having a substantial backlog, such as job security and future sales opportunities
- Reframe their perspective on the backlog, focusing on the positive aspects and opportunities it presents
- Develop a personal mantra or affirmation to reinforce the positive view of backlog when faced with similar situations in their work
Outcome
Participants will gain experience in reframing their mindset around backlog and learn to view it as a positive aspect of their work. They will develop strategies to manage the emotional response to substantial backlogs and focus on the benefits and opportunities they provide.
Backlog Building Workshop
Objective
Explore techniques for actively gathering new requirements and stories from clients during project meetings to continually grow the backlog.
Scenario #2
Participants will be divided into groups and given a sample project scenario. Each group will:
- Brainstorm a list of probing questions and conversation starters to elicit new requirements and stories from clients during project meetings
- Practice using these techniques in role-play scenarios, with one participant acting as the client and others as consultants
- Discuss strategies for capturing and documenting the new backlog items generated during these conversations
- Share their techniques and experiences with the other groups and gather feedback for improvement
- Reflect on how actively growing the backlog supports the land and expand strategy for future work
Outcome
Participants will develop skills in actively engaging clients to uncover new requirements and stories during project meetings. They will learn how to effectively capture and document these items to continually grow the backlog and support future work opportunities.
Backlog Prioritization Challenge
Objective
Develop skills in prioritizing backlog items based on various factors such as business value, complexity, dependencies, and client needs.
Scenario #3
Participants are given a list of backlog items for a hypothetical Salesforce project, each with a brief description and associated metadata (e.g., estimated effort, business value, dependencies). Working in small groups, participants will:
- Discuss and agree upon a set of prioritization criteria to rank the backlog items
- Use the agreed-upon criteria to prioritize the backlog items, discussing the rationale behind their decisions
- Present their prioritized list to the other groups, explaining their thought process and the factors they considered
- Engage in a group discussion to compare and contrast the different prioritization approaches and identify best practices
- Reflect on how effective backlog prioritization contributes to project success and client satisfaction
Outcome
Participant will gain experience in collaboratively defining prioritization criteria and applying them to a realistic backlog scenario. They will learn to consider various factors when prioritizing backlog items and understand the importance of effective prioritization in managing project workload and meeting client needs.
Backlog Storytelling Exercise
Objective
Practice communicating the value and potential of backlog items to clients and stakeholders through compelling storytelling.
Scenario #4
Participants are given a selection of backlog items from a sample Salesforce project. Each participant will:
- Choose one backlog item and develop a short narrative or story that highlights its potential value and impact on the client’s business
- Consider the client’s perspective, goals, and pain points when crafting the story
- Present their backlog item story to the group, focusing on engaging the audience and conveying the item’s importance
- Receive feedback from the group on the effectiveness of their storytelling and identify areas for improvement
- Discuss how compelling storytelling can be used to secure client buy-in and investment in future work
Outcome
Participants will develop their skills in communicating the value and potential of backlog items through storytelling. They will learn to craft narratives that resonate with clients and stakeholders, focusing on the business impact and benefits of addressing each item. This skill will help consultants build stronger relationships with clients and generate enthusiasm for future work.
Organizational Impact
Encourage a culture that embraces backlog as a positive aspect of Salesforce projects. Provide training and resources to help consultants effectively manage and prioritize backlog items. Foster a mindset of continuous growth and opportunity, emphasizing the benefits of a substantial backlog for job security and future work. Celebrate successes where consultants actively engage clients to uncover new requirements and stories, supporting the land and expand strategy and driving long-term success.