Predictability is paramount for traditional government agencies. Knowing when certain projects will be done often sets the targets for government agency budgets and goals for contract support. Once a budget is set, change is quick to follow. What was once a performance target for an agency is likely to be irrelevant. What do you do? How do you quickly adapt in a changing environment? How do you know if your agency is fit relative to its mission or purpose?
Through a two-year case study involving an innovative software development effort at the Department of Labor, we will examine how the Kanban method and associated support technology were introduced and matured through ongoing coaching, training, and mentoring activities. Performance data will demonstrate how use of the Kanban method more than doubled the performance of two teams involved in the software development effort. By using a Systems Thinking mindset, attendees will learn practical tips, guidance, and techniques for how to transform and improve the quality, performance, and predictability of their services and teams.