Is it possible to allow the Create transition of a workflow to have the option of two statuses?

Question

I'd like to give my team the option to create new issues either in "Backlog" or "Groomed". The first, default transition of my workflow is currently set to "Backlog", but I haven't been able to duplicate or branch that transition to optionally allow "Groomed" as a first step.

I understand that I can automatically transition post-creation based on certain criteria, but it would really be much simpler if the team just had the option of either Backlog or Groomed.

There must be a way, right? And I'm sure it's something really simple and I'm just missing it.

Gabriella Orazio · Answer

While I'm appreciative of the attempt at a critical thinking exercise, it is totally, entirely possible to groom a ticket while you're creating it if you set your mind to it! And if that ticket is now your highest priority item (like it's a P1 submitted via integration) then it doesn't need to fight the other backlog items for attention.

So with your question now answered, are you able to answer mine?

John Funk · Answer

Hi Gabriella - Welcome to the Atlassian Community!

How have you groomed something that isn't even in your backlog or you haven't even created it yet?

Gabriella Orazio · Answer

Thank you so much for your helpful reply - I appreciate it!

Unfortunately, I don't want anything to transition to Groomed except Create or Backlog. Adding Conditions makes for a poor User Experience, as depending on which platform (or even which screen) you're creating from, it's not at all clear to the end user why a Status is available but then errors.