Parking Lot in Agile

In Agile, the parking lot is a project management technique used to keep team meetings on track. When a group conversation changes the direction or is going off-topic, the issue can be put in the hypothetical parking lot. Essentially, you're "parking" it for later so the team can focus on more pressing issues.

Here's how it works:

1. Identify Off-Topic Conversations: If a discussion is going in the wrong direction during a meeting, act quickly to pull it back to the appropriate topic. Politely address the person or people talking and clarify that their chosen topic is better suited for the parking lot.

2. Take Note of the Topic: Add a note or use a separate flip chart dedicated to parking-lot topics. This virtual storage space allows you to store ideas that can wait until later.

3. Focus on Urgent Issues: During the meeting, discuss more urgent matters first. Once those are addressed, return to the parking lot.

/* Scrum Alliance co-founder Mike Cohn refers to this as the "16th minute." */

Remember, the parking lot helps teams avoid scope creep and ensures that daily standup meetings remain efficient. It also acknowledges that individual team members' discussions are valid, even if they are off-topic. By using this technique, one can demonstrate active listening and a willingness to address everyone.