How do you set Kanban Method policies?

1 What are Kanban Method policies?

Kanban Method policies are explicit rules that define how your team works together and with other stakeholders. They specify the expectations, responsibilities, and standards for each stage of the workflow, as well as the criteria for starting, completing, and releasing work items. Kanban Method policies help your team align on the goals, values, and principles of the framework, and provide clarity and transparency for everyone involved.

2 Why are Kanban Method policies important?

The Kanban Method policies are essential for enabling your team to work more productively and improve the quality and value of the work. These policies can help reduce waste, errors, and rework, while also increasing collaboration, communication, and feedback. Optimizing the flow of work and the delivery of value is also possible with these policies. Moreover, they empower the team to make informed and autonomous decisions, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

3 How to create Kanban Method policies?

Involving your team and other relevant stakeholders in a collaborative and iterative process is essential for creating Kanban Method policies. To begin, consider the existing policies and practices that your team already follows or agrees on. Then, review your Kanban board to determine the stages, columns, and lanes of your workflow. After that, for each stage, column, and lane, define the policies that specify the entry, exit, and quality criteria, as well as the roles, responsibilities, and limits. Writing down the policies in simple and precise language and making them visible on or near the Kanban board is also important. Lastly, review and update the policies regularly based on feedback, data, and experiments.

4 How to communicate Kanban Method policies?

To effectively communicate Kanban Method policies, you need to ensure that your team and other stakeholders understand and agree on them. Explain the purpose and benefits of the policies, as well as how they support the Kanban Method principles and values. Provide examples and scenarios to illustrate how the policies apply in practice and what outcomes they produce. Additionally, solicit feedback and suggestions from the team and other stakeholders, incorporating them into the policies as appropriate. Conduct regular reviews and retrospectives to assess the effectiveness and relevance of the policies, making adjustments as needed. Lastly, celebrate and reward the team for following and improving the policies.

5 How to use Kanban Method policies?

When using Kanban Method policies, it's essential to apply them consistently and continuously in your daily work. You should refer to the policies whenever starting, working on, or completing a work item. Also, check the policies before moving a work item to the next stage or column. Additionally, follow the policies when communicating and collaborating with your team and other stakeholders. Moreover, monitor and measure the impact of the policies on the flow, quality, and value of the work. Finally, identify and report any issues or conflicts that arise from the policies or their implementation.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?