What is a critical step in determining the initial team capacity during PI Planning?

Determining the initial team capacity during PI Planning is crucial for establishing a realistic and achievable plan. Subtracting points for member time-offs is a fundamental step in this process because it directly affects how much work the team can realistically commit to in the upcoming Program Increment (PI).

Each team member's availability impacts the overall capacity. If team members are on leave or unavailable, the total number of story points the team can effectively work on must be adjusted downward to reflect this reality. This ensures that the planning reflects the actual scenario, thereby improving the likelihood of delivering on commitments made during planning.

By accounting for time-offs, the team can generate a more accurate picture of its capacity, which ultimately supports successful planning and delivery. Other considerations, while relevant in the context of overall capacity discussions, do not directly address the immediate adjustments needed for individual availability, making this approach critical in the early stages of the planning process.