Help! We've Got Carry Over

The Problem with Sprint Carryover

Sprint carryover is a red flag for any Scrum team. When work repeatedly carries over from one Sprint to the next, it signals an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. While teams may accomplish many positive things during a Sprint, one of the most important indicators of success is getting work to “Done.”

A team thrives on a sense of accomplishment. They need to see the tangible results of their effort—knowing that their time was well spent and that their work made an impact. Consistently carrying over work from Sprint to Sprint is like cheering for a sports team that never wins the big game. I know the feeling. I am a Minnesota Vikings fan.

The Impact of Continuous Carryover

Think about a to-do list. The satisfaction of crossing something off is a powerful motivator. It delivers a small but meaningful dopamine hit. If you’re a list-keeper, you’ve probably added a task to your list just so you could cross it off—that’s how strong the urge for closure and accomplishment is. Agile teams are no different. When work consistently remains unfinished, the team misses out on that crucial feeling of success and momentum.

To avoid this frustrating cycle, it’s essential to understand why carryover is happening. If a team is frequently rolling over work from one Sprint to the next, it’s time to dig deeper and identify the root causes.

Common Causes of Sprint Carryover

Here are some key factors to consider:

• Poorly Defined Product Backlog Items (PBIs) – Are the Product Backlog Items clear and well-articulated?

• PBIs That Are Too Large – Are they broken down into small, manageable pieces?

• Unclear Acceptance Criteria – Does the team know exactly what “Done” looks like?

• Lack of Understanding of PBI Value – Do team members grasp the importance and purpose of the work?

• Skill Gaps – Does the team have the necessary expertise to complete the work?

• Dependencies – Are external factors blocking progress?

• Alternative Solutions – Are there better ways to accomplish the same goal?

• Too Much Work in the Sprint – Is the team overcommitting?

Creating a Culture of Done

The goal of each Sprint is to deliver a potentially shippable product increment. When work is consistently completed, the team builds confidence, strengthens its delivery capabilities, and fosters a more enjoyable and productive environment. A focus on getting to “Done” not only leads to better outcomes, it also makes practicing Scrum a more rewarding experience for everyone involved.If your team is struggling with carryover, take the time to inspect, adapt, and remove the obstacles. When teams consistently finish what they start, they gain momentum, deliver more value, and experience the true power of Agile.

Happy Sprinting!