Why Is “Completing the Sprint Backlog” Not a Proper Sprint Goal?
Some teams mistakenly treat finishing all items in the Sprint Backlog as their Sprint Goal. This is dysfunctional because Sprint Goals are meant to be outcome-focused, describing the improvement in customer or user experience the team seeks to achieve, not just the completion of tasks.
Metaphor
Sprint Goals are like aiming a camera at the subject, not the background clutter — they focus attention on what truly matters. When expressed as reducing a satisfaction gap, the lens stays on customer outcomes.
That way, progress is judged by sharper experiences, not just by snapping more shots.
Works Consulted
Personal Reflection/Experience.