In the modern business world, leaders are constantly faced with the challenge of improving their organizations' ability to deliver. While the term "flow" has already been introduced in many contexts, in this article we want to dive deeper into the practical aspects. In particular, we will look at how flow accelerators can be used within team structures and organizations to increase their efficiency.
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Image: This is not a flow.
Why flow is important
Flow describes the optimal state in which work flows smoothly and efficiently through a system, without unnecessary interruptions. For managers, this means that teams and organizations can deliver faster and more reliably, which in turn increases competitiveness.
Things like "clogged lanes" are an absolute hindrance to the flow.
Flow accelerators: an overview
The Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe®), for example, describes various flow accelerators, all of which can also be used independently of SAFe®. These techniques are designed to identify and remove obstacles in order to improve flow in the organization. These techniques can be used in all levels of Kanban systems. Let's take a closer look at some of the most important flow accelerators.
1: Make work visible and limit parallel work
Visualizing and limiting work in progress (WIP) are key practices for improving flow. Managers should therefore:
- Visualize work processes: Use Kanban boards or similar tools to visualize the progress of tasks.
- Limit WIP: Sets clear limits for the number of tasks processed simultaneously to avoid overload and increase focus. At higher levels, for example at portfolio level, limit the number of projects so that the teams can focus more strongly.
2: Identify and tackle bottlenecks
Bottlenecks are the biggest enemies of a smooth flow. To combat these, managers should:
- Continuously monitor the flow: Uses metrics and visualizations to identify and eliminate bottlenecks at an early stage.
- Adapt resources: Ensures that bottlenecks are eliminated by redistributing resources or adapting processes.
3: Reduce handovers and dependencies
Handovers and dependencies between teams can slow down the flow considerably. Managers should therefore:
- Promote interdisciplinary teams: Ensures that teams have the necessary skills to complete tasks independently.
- Establish clear communication channels: Reduce misunderstandings and delays through efficient communication structures.
4: Optimize focused working time
Time in the zone" refers to the time in which teams and individuals can work undisturbed and productively. To maximize this, managers should therefore:
- Minimize distractions: Provides an environment where teams can work in a focused way.
- Introduce work blocks: Implement time blocks where teams can work without interruptions and which are blocked for outside meetings.
5: Revise policies and practices
To improve flow, it is helpful to regularly review and adapt policies and practices. This includes the following activities:
- Establish feedback loops: Promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.
- Simplify processes: Eliminates unnecessary complexity and bureaucracy.
6: "Fail fast, fail early" - establish short, fast learning cycles
In order to learn quickly, it is necessary to get feedback quickly. The following activities can help:
- Accelerate flow: Establishes small batches, develops incrementally.
- Optimize the length of cues: Tidy up your queues.
- Get feedback quickly: Establishes short feedback loops and learns quickly.
The overview of the use of the (8) flow accelerators in SAFe® can be found here.
Accelerate flow - but where to start?
Before the flow can be accelerated, it needs to be identified. Value Stream Analysis (VSA) is a powerful tool that provides support in precisely this area: Understanding and visualizing the flow of work and identifying initial bottlenecks. It also helps to identify added value and waste, visualize the process and thus lay the foundation for further optimization of the entire value stream.
Value stream and team structures workshop
A Value Stream and Team Structures Workshop (in SAFe® Value Stream & ART Identification Workshop) is the first step to get your organization on the journey of flow optimization. In these workshops, leaders and teams learn how to identify and structure value streams and team clusters (called Agile Release Trains or ARTs in SAFe® ) to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Even without the use of SAFe®, Value Stream (Identification) Workshops are the first step in this direction.
Conclusion
Implementing flow accelerators in your organization can significantly improve delivery performance. By visualizing and limiting WIP, identifying and eliminating bottlenecks, reducing handoffs and dependencies, optimizing time in the zone, revising policies and practices, and encouraging rapid feedback, leaders can ensure that their teams are working efficiently and productively. A first recommended start in this direction is a value stream and team structures workshop.
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You are also welcome to take a look around our site, for example on the following topics Management development, Corporate strategy and portfolio management or also to our training courses, for example to our certified Kanban training. Our Accredited Kanban Trainer Astrid Meyser also offers a training session on the first Wednesday of every month. Kanban consultation hour to.
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