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Agile BA #2: Understanding the Work Hierarchy
How BAs keep Agile teams aligned: translating big vision into actionable work, from initiative to task.
Hey BAs, ready to bring some order to the chaos? If you’ve ever struggled to untangle a messy backlog, you already know: structure isn’t bureaucracy. It’s the backbone of clarity. The way work is broken down — and the meaning behind each level — can make or break a team’s ability to deliver value.
This is the second article of the series, “Agile BA: How to Do the Work” for Business Analysts who want to make a real impact in Agile teams, from the first question to the final story delivered. Today, let’s unpack what makes up the Agile work hierarchy, why each level matters, and how Business Analysts keep everything from drifting into chaos.
Why Hierarchy Matters (Even in Agile)
In my early Agile days, I loved the idea of flexibility, but I quickly learned the hard way that it doesn’t mean anything goes. The first time I worked on a project without a clear hierarchy, it felt like we were just grabbing whatever ticket looked interesting. Big goals got lost, priorities blurred, and we spent more time debating what to do next than actually delivering. It was a lesson in how vital structure is – even in…
