Backlogs and Stories - Mountain Goat Software

Write Great Stories and Build Backlogs that Deliver Value

Backlogs should guide teams, not drain them. Yet many backlogs are messy, poorly ordered, and with stories that are vague or overwhelming. The problem is, messy backlogs feel like quicksand: the harder teams work to refine, the less progress they make. Despite the effort, clarity never comes. Teams feel like they’re constantly guessing what to build next and stakeholders can’t see what’s coming.

Common fixes–longer refinement meetings or strict definitions of ready–only add more process while delivering less value.

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Most Common Problems with Backlogs and Stories

Endless refinement sessions

Stories that can't be done in one iteration

Product Owner becomes a bottleneck

Backlog items lack clarity

What's Possible with MGS

Create backlog items teams can actually build.

We show teams how to write clear, outcome-driven stories, whether user stories, job stories, or a mix of both. Through our Better User Stories course and follow-on story-writing workshops, teams practice on their own backlog, not abstract examples. Using techniques like SPIDR to split large items, they bring work into sprints with confidence. Refinement becomes a quick checkpoint instead of a frustrating marathon.

Shape the backlog around outcomes, not urgency.

We teach product owners and stakeholders how to apply DEEP principles and story mapping so the backlog reflects priorities that matter. Instead of bouncing between the latest requests, teams organize around customer value, manage dependencies, and have better conversations about trade-offs and direction.

Reinforce backlog practices that stick long-term.

Our training isn’t abstract. We work with your real backlog during sessions. Teams practice prioritization, refinement, and story writing with their actual items. With optional mentoring and workshops, product owners and developers build lasting habits that keep the backlog healthy and productive beyond training.

How We Can Help

Better User Stories with a Story-Writing Workshop

Create clear, consistent stories across teams in just two days. This combination of course and workshop helps teams build a solid understanding of user stories and then practice their skills in a collaborative setting.

Better User Stories Live Online

This one-day training course is the live version of the Better User Stories video course. Lively and interactive, you can practice and master your user stories skills in just one day. A recording of the live training will be provided.

Effective Product Owner

This configurable course helps product owners, product managers, and analysts discover user needs and capture them in a product backlog prioritized to deliver the most value.

Story Writing Workshop

An interactive story-writing workshop, tailored to your team’s needs. Teams have the space and time to focus and refine their backlog and write user stories to deliver a key functional area of your product.

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Just wrapped up Mike Cohn's "Better User Stories" course from Mountain Goat Software, and it's already helping us streamline our processes. The practical insights have already improved how we approach user stories as a team. Highly recommend it for those looking to refine their process and drive better outcomes.

Shweta B