What needs to be established before a Sprint can proceed successfully?

Before a Sprint can proceed successfully, it is essential to establish the Sprint Goal. The Sprint Goal provides a clear and concise objective that the Development Team aims to achieve during the Sprint. It serves several critical functions:

1. Focus and Alignment: The Sprint Goal helps in aligning the team around a common objective, ensuring that all team members understand the purpose of the Sprint and what they are working towards. This alignment is crucial in maintaining motivation and collaboration.

2. Guidance on Work Selection: The Sprint Goal aids the Development Team in deciding which items from the Product Backlog to include in the Sprint Backlog. It provides context and criteria for selecting the most valuable work to complete during the Sprint.

3. Flexibility in Execution: While the Sprint Goal provides a target, it allows the team the flexibility to adapt their approach as needed. If challenges arise or new information comes to light, the team can make adjustments and still focus on delivering the goal.

Establishing the Sprint Goal occurs during the Sprint Planning meeting, alongside the creation of the Sprint Backlog, which outlines the specific work items to be completed. However, the Sprint Goal serves as a foundational element in guiding the team's efforts throughout the Sprint. This makes it