Agile Journal Blogs
PI Planning
By Ishy Bansal
The Power of PI Planning: More Than Just a Big Room
As someone who has experienced the transformative impact of PI Planning (also known as Big Room Planning), I can confidently say it is one of the most pivotal events in the agile process. However, this critical two-day planning session doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The success of PI Planning is rooted in meticulous pre-planning and a shared commitment to collaboration.
Preparation: The Key to Success
PI Planning requires a strong foundation of preparation to ensure a smooth and productive event. Here are the critical areas of focus:
Tools Preparation
Before the planning session, it’s essential to ensure that all collaboration tools are ready and accessible. Platforms like Jira, PI Planning apps, Team Retro, and Zoom (for hybrid or fully remote participants) should be tested in advance. Clear documentation on tool usage must be shared to eliminate technical hurdles during the event.
Comms Preparation
Effective communication channels are a cornerstone of successful PI Planning. This involves:
Sending clear invitations and agendas well in advance.
Preparing pre-read materials, including the prioritised Feature backlog and Product Vision.
Ensuring that all participants are aware of the objectives and the structure of the two-day + session.
Stakeholder Alignment
The availability and buy-in of stakeholders can make or break a PI Planning session. Aligning with key stakeholders beforehand ensures they:
Understand the event’s importance.
Are available to participate and support the discussions.
Are ready to provide input on dependencies, priorities, and objectives.
Training Preparation
Not all participants will be familiar with PI Planning, especially if it’s their first time. Conducting training sessions on the process, objectives, and tools ensures everyone comes prepared. These sessions also set expectations, reducing confusion during the main event.
A Global Ecosystem United
One of the most profound aspects of PI Planning is its ability to bring together a diverse ecosystem of contributors. In one of my most memorable sessions, we managed to assemble a group that included external suppliers, third-party vendors, market leaders, and globally distributed teams. For many, it was their first time meeting face-to-face despite years of collaboration.
The physical handshake—a simple gesture—carried significant weight. It fostered a sense of camaraderie and cohesion that no email thread or Zoom call could replicate. The bonds formed during those two days translated into stronger working relationships and a renewed commitment to collective success.
Beyond Planning: Reinforcing Vision and Commitment
PI Planning isn’t just about hashing out a plan for the next 8- 12 weeks. It’s an opportunity to:
Reinforce the Product Vision
The session begins with a clear articulation of the Product Vision. This “north star” reminds everyone why we’re here and what value we aim to deliver. Having this shared understanding energises teams and ensures alignment.
Socialise a Prioritised Backlog
A ready prioritised Feature backlog is shared before the main event. This ensures teams aren’t seeing Features for the first time during the session. Familiarity with the backlog accelerates discussions and decision-making.
Enable Synchronisation and Alignment
The planning process provides teams with the structure and space to synchronise efforts. They discuss inter-team and external dependencies, identify risks, and align their goals. By the end of the event, each team commits to their PI Objectives and shares them with the other teams on the Agile Release Train (ART).
Foster Reciprocal Commitment
The handshake commitment at the end of PI Planning is more than symbolic. It’s a mutual agreement: teams commit to their objectives, and stakeholders pledge their support to help the teams achieve these outcomes. This reciprocal alignment ensures that everyone—from the teams to the stakeholders—is moving in the same direction.
Conclusion: The Value of PI Planning
PI Planning is not just about creating a plan; it’s about creating alignment, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing a shared vision. The meticulous preparation required—from tools and training to stakeholder alignment—pays dividends during the two-day + event. And the benefits extend far beyond those two + days: teams leave with a clear roadmap, stronger relationships, and a collective commitment to delivering value.
In an increasingly complex and global ecosystem, the ability to bring people together—physically or virtually—to align on goals and commit to a shared vision is invaluable. PI Planning is not just an event; it’s a cornerstone of agile success.