Presentation: "Kick-starting Kanban"

Time: Wednesday 16:50 - 17:50

Location: Franciscan I & II

Abstract: Kanban, like all Lean-Agile approaches, is based on fundamental principles from which specific practices are derived. Together these provide mechanisms to foster improvement and manage the follow of work. One of the identifying characteristics of a mature Kanban team is its ability to leverage core concepts to foster the emergence of more evolved practices.
 
So principles and practices are complimentary, and coaching new teams on both of these aspects is important. As coaches, we want to provide a solid starting point that the team can apply to its work. We also want to create a basis for continued growth.
 
But in nearly all contexts, available time for coaching is limited, and teams are anxious to start. So, how should we launch a new team? What are the critical things to consider? What are the most important concepts?
 
My colleagues and I have developed a launch process that we deliver in two days, which we’ve validated in dozens of engagements and with our peers. In this session, I’ll describe the launch process and provide an outline for what to cover, how to balance concepts and mechanics, and how to set the team on a trajectory of improvement.

Rick Simmons, Rally Software

 Rick  Simmons

Rick's Agile work began in the late 90s, with exposure to RUP and experimentation with iterative approaches. His passion is focused around Agile/Lean concepts and flow-based work management in software development, infrastructure/operations, and throughout the enterprise.

Rick was a founding partner and VP of technology at Xteric Technology Group, an custom development and services firm in Cleveland, Ohio. From 2005 to 2010, Rick was at Constant Contact in Waltham, Massachusetts, the country's fastest-growing public SaaS provider. There he held dual roles as Director of Agile Practices and Director of Web Services/APIs. Rick was the principal Agile leader and evangelist at Constant Contact, where he was recognized by the CEO for broad contributions to the organization.

His background is in software development, architecture, data center management and IT planning. He's a graduate of Case Western Reserve University, with a degree in Computer Engineering.