How should work be distributed between multiple Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog?

When multiple Scrum Teams are working from the same Product Backlog, they should collaborate effectively and maintain alignment with the overarching goals of the product. The correct approach involves the Development Teams pulling work from the shared Product Backlog based on discussions and agreements made with both the Product Owner and the other teams.

This collaborative pulling mechanism ensures that teams prioritize the most valuable items in the backlog, aligning their efforts with the overall product vision and goals. It promotes transparency and synchronizes the work among teams, allowing for adjustments based on current capacity or expertise. Moreover, it allows for better handling of dependencies between tasks, which is essential for maintaining a smooth workflow across different teams.

Engaging with the Product Owner is crucial because the Product Owner is responsible for providing clarity on backlog items, setting priorities based on stakeholder needs, and ensuring that each team’s work contributes meaningfully to the product's success. This shared understanding fosters a more cohesive and efficient output from all Scrum Teams involved.