Understanding Team Capacity in PI Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to getting a project off to a strong start, capacity planning during PI Planning can't be overlooked. It might sound a bit technical, but trust me, it’s a game changer for a lot of teams. Have you ever tried to plan a family vacation only to realize a week before that half the family can't make it? Talk about a headache! Well, that’s what can happen if you don’t properly account for your team’s capacity in planning sessions.

What’s the Deal with Team Capacity?

You might be wondering, "Why is team capacity so critical?" Let’s break it down. Team capacity refers to the total amount of work (often measured in story points) a team can commit to in a given time frame (like a Program Increment, or PI). But here's the kicker: not everyone is available 100% of the time.

Imagine you have a project to complete, but two of your key players are out due to vacation. If you don’t factor that into your planning, you’ll end up setting yourselves up for a fall. Planning work without considering member time-offs is like baking a cake without checking if you have all the ingredients. You may wish for a delicious result, but the reality will likely be far from it!

The Correct Approach: Understanding the Initial Team Capacity

So, what’s the right way to determine that all-important initial team capacity?

In the context of multiple options — including comparing final capacity across other teams or ensuring PO/PM approval for capacity adjustments — the most critical step is subtracting points for member time-offs.

Let’s unpack this. During PI Planning, when you tally up the total capacity, it’s imperative to account for members who will be unavailable. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s fundamental to aligning expectations with what your team can genuinely achieve. If you don’t subtract those points for time-off, what happens? You might find your team overcommitting — thinking they can handle a hefty load when, in reality, they cannot.

Why This Matters

By reducing the team’s capacity in light of available resources, you’ll be setting them up for success. Here’s a little analogy: Think of your team like a group of superheroes. They may be super powerful, but even superheroes need their downtime to recharge. You wouldn’t want them flying around saving the world while nursing a serious case of burnout, right?

Let’s say your total team capacity is 100 story points. If two members are on leave for two weeks during your sprint, you need to adjust that number downwards to reflect the reality of your working team size. Maybe now you're looking at a total of 80 story points — a much more achievable goal!

What Should You Focus On?

Sure, there are various things to consider when planning capacity such as comparing across teams or aiming for PO/PM approval, but those concerns should take a back seat during initial capacity evaluations. Focus directly on availability first.

Here’s the thing: if you don’t prioritize the fact that a couple of key players are going to be out, you risk increasing stress levels, lowering team morale, and potentially jeopardizing your sprint’s success. No one wants that!

Conclusion: Capacity Adjustments Equals Realistic Planning

Bottom line? By subtracting points for member time-offs during PI Planning, you’re crafting a realistic blueprint that aligns with the actual capabilities of your team. This isn’t just about getting tasks done; it’s about setting your team up to win and achieve their goals without unnecessary strain. No stress, no burnout, just effective and smooth sailing as you navigate your upcoming project hurdles!

So, the next time you’re gearing up for PI Planning, remember — availability matters! Make those adjustments for time-offs, and watch how much smoother your planning process becomes. Happy planning!