The Simple $20 Fix That’s Changing How Agile Teams Handle Risks

I’ve seen teams and projects waste valuable time and energy using the wrong tools to identify or address risks. Most of these tools were ignored or overlooked when they were most needed.

In this post, I’ll share The Simple $20 Fix That’s Changing How Agile Teams Handle Risks.

The Problem

In Agile projects, risks are often identified too late—when they’ve already snowballed into major issues that disrupt sprints, delay deliveries, or derail project goals. Despite having tools like risk registers or digital boards, teams frequently overlook or ignore risks because the tools feel impersonal, abstract, or disconnected from their daily routines.

As a result, risks linger unnoticed, growing silently until they become crises that could have been prevented with earlier attention and action.

How do most people deal with it?

At daily standups or retrospectives, teams might post a “risk board” on a wall or shared digital space, hoping people will contribute. While this is a common approach, it tends to fall flat because the risks feel impersonal, and team members don’t engage with them consistently.

The Solution (The Simple $20 Fix That’s Changing How Agile Teams Handle Risks)

Want to know what actually worked?

A simple A-frame sign with handwriting, strategically placed in the team’s walking path.

Two ways I used A-frame signs to manage risks in Agile projects:

1. What didn’t work as well: Using a risk board in high-traffic areas, with generalized messages about identifying risks. While this got some attention initially, it failed to create sustained engagement because it lacked personalization and an interactive element.
2. What REALLY worked: What REALLY worked well was using the A-frame sign as a simple and interactive tool to keep the team aware of risks. Instead of only pointing out problems, I alternated between sharing helpful tips (like advice or reminders) and asking for input or action from the team. This way, the sign became part of our daily routine, helping everyone stay focused on what matters without feeling overwhelmed.

If the sign only highlights issues, people quickly start ignoring it. But by mixing it up—sometimes offering something useful or fun, and other times inviting the team to contribute—you make it engaging, relevant, and easier to act on.

How to structure the message?

• Week 1 (Give): Insight about risk identification: “What small red flags have you noticed this week? Share one!”
• Week 2 (Give): Reward for a risk-related action: “Log a risk and get a shoutout in the sprint review!” IMPORTANT: Lead with what the team gets before asking for their contribution.
• Week 3 (Ask): Call for input on prioritization: “What’s the riskiest assumption we’re making right now? Add it to the backlog.”
• Week 4 (Give): Add a specific resource, such as a link to a relevant article, video, or internal document. Here’s an example: A risk-mitigation tip: “Check out [this video on managing project delays effectively] for strategies on handling delays.

Where to place these signs?

1. At the team’s workspace entrance.
2. In high-visibility areas, like near the sprint board or backlog.
3. In collaboration zones or meeting areas.

Why does this approach work for managing risks in Agile and Scrum?

1. Physical interruption: By placing the sign where team members have to interact with it, you create an opportunity to build awareness and encourage contributions.
2. Handwritten = authentic: Using actual handwriting for the sign fosters authenticity, which encourages team members to take it seriously. It feels less like a directive and more like a personal reminder.
3. Daily change: Updating the sign daily or weekly aligns with Scrum’s iterative cycles. A fresh message every sprint or day keeps the team engaged with risk management as part of their continuous improvement process.

Conclusion

Incorporating these small, practical steps ensures that risk management stays visible, actionable, and aligned with your team’s sprint goals and priorities.

Think this hack is powerful? Wait until you see what’s behind the curtain.