10 Years with Kanban: A Journey of Simplicity

A decade ago, I was introduced to a tool that would revolutionize how I approach work—Kanban. I started with Trello, moved through GitHub, and now I’ve integrated it into Notion. Over these years, I’ve come to realize that Kanban is more than just a productivity hack; it’s a philosophy of work management that remains as relevant in 2024 as it was when it first took shape.

What is Kanban?

At its core, Kanban is a visual system for managing work as it moves through a process. Originating from Toyota’s manufacturing line in the 1940s, Kanban was designed to improve efficiency and reduce waste by visualizing workflow and limiting work in progress (WIP). The word "Kanban" literally means "signboard" or "billboard" in Japanese, reflecting its emphasis on clear, visual communication.

But let’s strip away the jargon. Kanban is simply about making your work visible. It’s about knowing what’s being worked on, what’s up next, and what’s been completed. This visibility drives focus and clarity, helping you to prioritize effectively and avoid the chaos of multitasking.

How to Kanban: The Basics

Whether you’re leading a team or managing your own workload, Kanban can be a game-changer. Here’s how to get started:

1. Visualize Your Workflow: Start by mapping out the steps your work typically goes through—from the moment a task is conceived to its completion. In Trello, GitHub, Notion, or any other tool, this usually involves creating columns that represent different stages like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." For individuals, think of these columns as your personal task pipeline. By visualizing your tasks, you turn your workload into something tangible, making it easier to track progress and identify what needs your attention.
2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP): One of Kanban’s most powerful principles is limiting the number of tasks in progress at any given time. This focus prevents the cognitive overload of juggling too many things at once and pushes you towards completion before starting something new. As an individual, a good rule of thumb is to limit yourself to 1 to 3 "In Progress" tasks at a time. This way, you stay focused and ensure that each task receives the attention it deserves, ultimately leading to higher quality work and less stress.
3. Prioritize What Moves from "To Do" to "In Progress": With your WIP limits in place, the next crucial step is prioritization. Not every task in your "To Do" column carries the same weight or urgency, so it’s essential to determine which tasks should move into "In Progress" first. To do this, consider factors such as deadlines, the importance of the task, the potential impact, and any dependencies that might affect other tasks. By prioritizing effectively, you ensure that your most critical or high-impact tasks are addressed first, allowing you to maximize your productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently.
4. Manage Flow: Managing flow is about ensuring that tasks move smoothly from one stage to the next without unnecessary delays. Picture your workflow as a pipeline: tasks should move steadily through it, like water through a pipe. When a task reaches the "Done" column, it creates a vacuum or open space in your workflow. This space is crucial because it signals that you’re ready to take on a new task from your "To Do" list. By continuously monitoring this flow, you can identify and address any bottlenecks—points where tasks are getting stuck or moving too slowly. The goal is a smooth, steady flow of tasks, ensuring that your personal productivity remains high and that you’re always moving forward.
5. Make Process Policies Explicit: Clarity is key in Kanban, even when working alone. To avoid confusion and ensure consistency in how you handle your tasks, define and agree on the rules for moving tasks between stages. For instance, you might decide that a task can only move from "To Do" to "In Progress" if it’s clearly defined and you have the necessary resources to complete it. By making these rules explicit, you create a personal workflow that’s predictable and efficient, helping you avoid unnecessary delays and ensuring steady progress.
6. Implement Feedback Loops: Continuous improvement is at the heart of Kanban. Regularly review your Kanban board to assess what’s working and what isn’t. This is where feedback loops come into play. Set aside time for personal reflection—whether daily, weekly, or monthly—to analyze your workflow, identify any recurring issues, and brainstorm ways to improve. For example, if you notice that certain tasks consistently get stuck in "In Progress," you might need to adjust your WIP limits or tweak your approach to those tasks. The goal of feedback loops is to foster a habit of continuous improvement, ensuring that your personal productivity continues to grow over time.

Now, let’s step outside the conventional wisdom. Most people view Kanban as a tool for software development or manufacturing, but its principles are universal. Whether you’re leading a team, managing your own work, or even balancing personal projects, Kanban’s adaptability makes it incredibly powerful across various domains.

What’s often overlooked is Kanban’s potential to foster not just efficiency, but intentionality. In a world obsessed with doing more, Kanban teaches us the value of doing less, better. It’s a reminder that productivity isn’t about how much we can cram into our day but about making meaningful progress on the things that truly matter.

Why You Should Kanban

In 2024, where the pace of work and life continues to accelerate, Kanban offers a counterbalance. It’s a simple yet profound approach to work management that encourages focus, clarity, and continuous improvement. By making your work visible, limiting distractions, and fostering intentional progress, Kanban can transform how you approach both your professional and personal life.

If you haven’t tried Kanban yet, or if you’ve been using it only in a narrow context, I challenge you to expand your perspective. Think of Kanban not just as a productivity tool but as a way to bring more intentionality and purpose into your work. It’s more than just moving cards across a board; it’s about mastering the flow of your life’s work.