## What Risks Come With Using a Definition of Ready? The primary risk is turning it into a gate or stage that blocks work from getting started. It should support preparation, not prevent the team from working on valuable items. >[!metaphor] >Skipping valuable work because it’s not perfectly “Ready” is like canceling a trip to Hawaii because you forgot to pack a spare pair of underwear. A packing list is there to help you prepare, not to stop you from going on the adventure. The Definition of Ready should guide sensible prep, not block valuable work over trivial gaps. ## Works Consulted 1. [The Concept of Ready in Scrum](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzc2rd3Is8Q) | Scrum.org | Accessed 24 Jul. 2025. ## Connections follows:: [[1.4 Ready Means a Work Item Can Be Started or Planned Confidently]] topics:: [[Anti-Patterns]], [[Dysfunction]], [[Definition of Ready]], [[Stage Gate]] Supported By | [[1.4b The Definition of Ready Is Not Part of Scrum]] -> Some thought leaders would argue that not only is it missing from the Scrum Guide, but it's a dysfunction because it tends to create this stage-gate effect. ![[Footer]]