What to do if the backlog is 5 times larger than the team's capacity?

If the backlog exceeds the team's capacity by 5 times, you should:

• Prioritize tasks. Use prioritization methods (MoSCoW, WSJF, RICE) to identify the most important and urgent tasks.
• Decompose large tasks. Break down big tasks into smaller ones to deliver value faster.
• Discuss with stakeholders. Explain the team's constraints and align expectations regarding deadlines and scope.
• Focus on MVP. Concentrate on the minimally viable product or feature that addresses key problems.
• Regularly refine the backlog. Continuously update and clarify the backlog to keep it relevant and manageable.

This way, you will maximize the return on limited resources and avoid overloading the team.