How to handle adhoc urgent requests during Sprint?

Scrum is all about delivering value faster and continuously. It is achieved by taking a fixed length of shorter Sprints and having a clear Sprint Goal for each Sprint and plan the work to achieve that goal with highest possible focus. However, it is inevitable to get some adhoc changes during the Sprint due to some internal or external forces. 

Including a new, urgent, and important item into the Sprint Backlog during the middle of a Sprint is not a typical Scrum practice, as Scrum emphasizes commitment to the Sprint Goal and minimizing interruptions. However, if the situation is truly critical, here’s how to handle it while adhering to Scrum principles:

1. Collaborate with the Product Owner: The Product Owner should assess and prioritize the new item. They must determine its importance relative to the existing Sprint Goal.
2. Review the Sprint Goal: If the new item is so critical that it cannot wait until the next Sprint, evaluate whether it aligns with or disrupts the current Sprint Goal.
3. Scrum Team Discussion: The Scrum Team (Developers, Product Owner, and Scrum Master) should come together to discuss the impact of adding the new item. Questions to consider include:
   • Can the new item be incorporated without jeopardizing the Sprint Goal?
   • What existing work may need to be removed or reprioritized to accommodate the new item?
4. Adjust the Sprint Backlog:
   • If the team agrees to add the new item, they must adjust the Sprint Backlog accordingly, potentially removing or deprioritizing other items.
   • Changes to the Sprint Backlog should be made transparently and collaboratively.
5. Seek Stakeholder Alignment: If the inclusion of the new item represents a significant deviation, stakeholders should be informed to ensure alignment.
6. Consider Cancelling the Sprint (if necessary): As a last resort, if the new item is so disruptive that the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete, the Product Owner may cancel the Sprint. This is an extreme measure and should only be taken when no alternative is viable.

Scrum Guide Reference:

The Sprint Backlog is flexible and can be updated as more is learned keeping the Sprint Goal into consideration. However, changes should not compromise the Sprint Goal. Adjustments must be handled collaboratively within the team to maintain focus and effectiveness.

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