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Rosie

New in 2025: Role-based Management Credentials

March 24, 2025 by Rosie

At the beginning of 2025, Kanban University introduced four new training programs and professional credentials: introducing role-oriented training of Flow Manager, Delivery Manager, Demand Manager, and Enterprise Delivery Manager for the first time in our almost fifteen-year history. Why have we made this switch and why now?

Identity, Mission and Purpose

Since inception, Kanban University has been a management training company, focused on the professional services, intangible goods, knowledge worker economy of the 21st century. Research, by Barry Boehm, revealed that poor management increases costs more rapidly than any other factor, in disciplines such as software and systems engineering. Management training and guidance has remained rooted in the early 20thcentury based on experience and understanding of physical tangible goods industries such as manufacturing and distribution. Modern work is crying out for new approaches to improve time-to-market, service delivery times, predictability, quality, and responsiveness to changes in markets, economies, regulatory environments, political regimes, and disruptive technological innovation. Since 2003, with publication of his first book, Agile Management, Kanban University founder David J Anderson had been focused on this mission of bringing new management methods to modern workplaces. By 2010, his approach had evolved and become to be known as the Kanban Method.

20th century management expert, Peter Drucker, laid down a challenge for the 21st century: 20th century physical goods industries had improved their productivity by a factor 200 times, he challenged professional services organizations to achieve just a 50 times improvement over the next 100 years.

Kanban University´s has taken up the mission of Boehm and Drucker to dramatically improve management in the modern workplace.

Kanban

In 2011, the Kanban Method offered Kanban University the best available tool to deliver on its mission of a better way to manage modern work. The Kanban Management Professional (KMP) training program was introduced with two training classes: Kanban System Design (KSD) was oriented around the design of system of work that enabled cooperation, collaboration, empowerment and autonomy, for workers to improve service delivery outcomes – using the operational practices of the Kanban Method; the follow on class, Kanban Systems Improvement (KSI) taught the management practices that enabled the mechanism to drive evolutionary change and improvement – creating an organization wired with the DNA to survive, thrive, adapt and succeed in a world  moving faster and faster.

The Kanban Method was rooted in the belief that installing processes and frameworks almost always failed at scale because the humans involved resisted change that affected their identity, their role in the social order, their self-esteem and social status, how they earned respect, and how they were recognized and rewarded for their contribution. To overcome this, change had to be led in an evolutionary manner, owned by those who implemented the changes, motivated by a shared purpose and a desire to contribute in a meaningful manner.

Leadership – the magic ingredient required for success

As Kanban adoption spread around the world, a great variety of implementation variations appeared – some organizations were much more successful with Kanban than others. It became clear that the vital ingredient was leadership – there needed to be someone who took responsibility for the flow of work and accepted accountability for customer delivery. Where this was present, dramatic results were observed with productivity improvements of 4 times sometimes as large as 20 times, and delivery times shrinking by 90% or more. Where leadership wasn´t present and didn´t emerge, the results were mediocre, lacklustre, and so much opportunity was left on the table. It became necessary to define this leadership responsibility as the service delivery manager role and recommend that these responsibilities were adopted by someone in an existing leadership or managerial role.

Flow Manager Emerges

For many organizations, the challenges of improving management and leadership met with significant cultural barriers, and many organizations continued to exhibit very low levels of organizational maturity, and very poor results and business outcomes. For many, just improving cooperation, and moving work through their larger scale organizations became the first step in the right direction. To make this happen, someone had to take responsibility for flow. More and more, we saw people being asked to step up and take on the Flow Manager responsibilities. More recently, we have seen it emerge as a job title particularly in Brazil and parts of central Europe.

More Relatable, More Meaningful, More Personal, More Directly Applicable

Our switch to role-oriented training programs was not made without considerable thought. There was a need to make our management training more relatable to the work people actually do, more meaningful in terms of the benefits, and the subject areas addressed, more personal with a direct relationship to the career path and development of people pursuing a managerial career, and more directly applicable such that senior leaders sponsoring and funding the training understand how it will be used and how it might impact their business.

Descriptive not Prescriptive

The Kanban Method has always been descriptive in nature – they have always reflected descriptions of practices and solutions that emerged in real world situations. Kanban literature, guidance and training has always used specific contexts and examples, to describe an approach and a set of practices from which students can choose to learn, copy, adopt and adapt. The Kanban Method has never been prescriptive – it has never mandated a formula, prescription, or framework of elements that must be present. There are no Kanban Police ensuring conformance. As such the roles of Flow Manager, Delivery Manager, and Demand Manager have emerged in the market, and our role has been to describe them.

Delivering on our mission

Kanban University believes that we can best advance our mission now and in future through the provision of role-based training and providing role-specific credentials to individuals pursuing a management career path.

Read more about Flow Manager course

Read more

Filed Under: Flow Manager, KU News Tagged With: Flow, Kanban

May News & Views from the Kanban Community

May 29, 2024 by Rosie

In This Issue

  • Accredited Kanban Trainers at Business Agility Nuremberg
  • David J Anderson to Give $100,000 Worth of Consultancy Services with His Enterprise Level Training
  • Kanban Glossary Now Available in Polish
  • Webinar Recording: Introducing Kanban Into Your Organization
  • Are Scrum Retrospectives And Kanban Retrospectives The Same?
  • Work in Progress (WIP) Management and Its Impact on Kanban Coaching
  • The Kanban Coaching Professional Experience

Accredited Kanban Trainers, Dr. York Roessler, Bianca Griffioen, and Lukas Schmidt, had an incredible time at Business Agility Nuremberg! They were thrilled to engage with industry leaders and share insights on navigating today’s dynamic business landscape.

Share YOUR Kanban community experiences by tagging us on LinkedIn or emailing photos to KU@Kanban.University for possible inclusion in a future News and Views from the Kanban Community newsletter.

David J Anderson to Give $100,000 Worth of Consultancy Services with His Enterprise Level Training

Many companies have made significant layoffs and budget cuts over the last two years, putting more pressure on businesses and management to operate more effectively. To help the business community, David J Anderson is offering $100,000 worth of his personal consultancy services in combination with his Enterprise Level Training.

Read more about it at the link below and watch David’s presentation to learn the outcomes that organizations have realized from his Enterprise Level training.

Read More About The Offer

Kanban Glossary Now Available in Polish

From A for Activity to W for Work Item Type, the Kanban Method Glossary covers all the Kanban terms and definitions you need to know. Now, this alphabetical list based on the Official Guide to the Kanban Method, is published in Polish!

Get your copy of The Kanban Method Glossary today, also available in English, German, and Spanish.

Get the Glossary in Polish

Webinar Recording: Introducing Kanban Into Your Organization

Introducing Kanban into your organization could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. In this recorded webinar by AgileFever, Kanban University’s Joey Spooner dives deep into the principles and benefits of implementing the Kanban methodology.

Watch Now on YouTube

Are Scrum Retrospectives And Kanban Retrospectives The Same?

Are Scrum Retrospectives And Kanban Retrospectives The Same

Are Scrum and Kanban Retrospectives the same? This is a great question which Accredited Kanban Trainer Helen Meek explores in her latest blog. Learn how Scrum and Kanban are both looking to improve the way we do things, and why you can take the best of both and adapt for your situation.

Read More From Helen Meek

Work in Progress (WIP) Management and Its Impact on Kanban Coaching

One of the fundamental practices in the Kanban methodology is the effective management of work in progress (WIP). Limiting WIP not only optimizes workflow and improves quality, but it is also an essential component in Kanban Coaching. In this blog, Accredited Kanban Consultant Ivan Gonzales explores how Kanban coaches can guide organizations in implementing WIP limits and the positive impact this has on teams and value delivery.

Read More From Ivan Gonzales

The Kanban Coaching Professional Experience

Congratulations to one of our newest Kanban Coaching Professionals, Roger Dreher! He recently completed the four courses required for the KCP credential (Kanban System Design, Kanban Systems Improvement, Kanban Maturity Model, and Kanban Coaching), plus the KCP exam.

In this video, Roger shares his experience in the course and the pragmatic, actionable guidance on “things we could actually try as people helping with Kanban implementations.” Click to watch below and, if you’re ready to start your Kanban Coaching journey, drop us a note at KU@kanban.university.

Watch Now on LinkedIn

Filed Under: KU News

How You Can Scrum Better With Kanban

May 22, 2024 by Rosie

Press Play and Learn How YOU Can Scrum Better with Kanban

Are you using Scrum and still running into walls around challenges like dependencies, delays, and resistance to changing and improving the way the team works?

Scrum Better with Kanban can help!

The Scrum Better with Kanban course will give you practical solutions to these problems and more, helping you improve the way Scrum works for you in your organization and team.

Watch Now on YouTube

Find more details about Kanban University Certified Training courses on our YouTube channel. Revisit presentations from past conferences, learn from Kanban Experts, meet the Kanban University Distinguished Fellows, and much, much more.

Subscribe today to join more than 5,500 other Kanban enthusiasts on YouTube!

Subscribe to Kanban University on YouTube

Filed Under: KU News, Scrum Tagged With: Kanban, SBK, Scrum, Scrum Better With Kanban, Scrum Kanban Practitioner, YouTube

Sailing Away Again in Cascais

May 15, 2024 by Rosie

Recapping Kanban Leadership Retreat Europe 2024

Last week Kanban University welcomed both new and experienced Kanban professionals to the Kanban Leadership Retreat in sunny Cascais, Portugal. Thank you to everyone who joined our multi-day event and embodied the theme of Challenge, Explore, and Connect. 

Attendees brought their insights, pain points, questions, and interests, generating over thirty sessions that spanned 10 key themes, including scaling, educational strategy, non-IT applications, new innovations, effective tools, and much more!

In addition to creative and thoughtful sessions, attendees took advantage of the extended afternoon breaks to get out and explore the seaside town of Cascais, reflecting on past discussions and eagerly anticipating upcoming sessions, often while taking in the beautiful architecture or savoring the amazing regional cuisine!

Every day brought fresh connections, fostering new friendships and enduring relationships centered around applying the Kanban Method across commercial, governmental, and non-profit sectors.

Check out the conversations happening on LinkedIn at #KLR24 and keep scrolling for more images from this memorable retreat!

Our next stop is Miami, Florida in November 2024 for Kanban Leadership Retreat North America.

Get in early by registering today to join us at the historic Surfcomber Hotel on South Beach!

Sign Up for Kanban Leadership Retreat North America 2024

“This was my first time attending the Kanban Leadership Retreat. It was the perfect atmosphere to interact with people from over five continents with one passion: Helping organizations to solve their problems with the structured and successful way of Kanban.

Kanban is so much more than every other method currently on the market. That was clear within these powerful and fruitful sessions and discussions at KLR. I really loved the session about SAFe: How Kanban can help organizations having trouble with SAFe to evolve into powerful and flow-oriented organizations that deliver value to the customer.

The KLR was so successful for me, because of all the people I met and the discussions about their Kanban experiences. That’s the best possible way to grow.”

carsten-round

Carsten Rüscher
Kanban Coaching Professional

Managing Director, CR/Project Consulting
Germany

Filed Under: KU News Tagged With: Cascais, Kanban Leadership Retreat, KLREU24

Unlock the Power of Kanban: Become an Accredited Kanban Trainer

May 1, 2024 by Rosie

Organizations need more than just agility; they need strength, robustness, and the ability to survive in an uncertain world that comes from enabling evolutionary change with the Kanban Method.

Kanban Works!

It’s a proven approach that delivers tangible results by focusing on visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and enabling continuous improvement. Kanban’s practices, principles, and the application of evolutionary change management are just the tools that today’s professionals need!

Accredited Kanban Trainer Kanban University

The Time to Become an Accredited Kanban Trainer is Now!

Have you experienced the power of Kanban firsthand? Are you ready to take your Kanban passion and expertise to the next level? Now is the perfect time to become an Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT) and join this elite network of professionals who are shaping the future of organizational change.

Start your AKT journey and register for the Kanban TTT today!

NEW!​ Team Kanban Practitioner and Scrum Better With Kanban Train the Trainer Course 

Kanban University’s NEW TKP/SBK Train the Trainer course is designed for individuals with passion and experience for Kanban and Scrum, who want to teach and certify the Team Kanban Practitioner (TKP) and Scrum Better with Kanban (SBK) courses from Kanban University.

This special Train the Trainer course does not teach Kanban fundamentals, rather it focuses on ensuring your effectiveness as a Kanban University trainer. The TKP/SBK Train the Trainer teaches prospective trainers how to effectively and knowledgeably deliver the TKP and SBK course curriculum in a classroom setting.

Virtual TKP/SBK TTT with Joey Spooner & Todd Little in September

Upcoming Kanban Train the Trainer Classes

Kanban University’s Train the Trainer* course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to effectively teach the Kanban Method. By adding Kanban University certified courses to your training portfolio, you will not only enhance your own skills, but you will also empower your students and their organization to let Kanban Work for them!

Virtual TTT with Joey Spooner & Todd Little in June
Virtual TTT with Helen Meek in November
In-Person TTT and SBK CTT with Todd Little in India

*It is expected that all TTT students have significant Kanban knowledge and experience. All prospective trainers must have attained the Kanban Management Professional (KMP) Credential from Kanban University. 

Not a KMP yet? Search our Kanban System Design and Kanban Systems Improvements offerings.

Filed Under: KU News Tagged With: Accredited Kanban Trainer, AKT, Train the Trainer

April News & Views | Kanban Conferences Edition

April 24, 2024 by Rosie

Attendees gather for a group photo at Kanban India 2022 conference.

Kanban is covering the globe from East to West in 2024! With such an exciting lineup of events on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the world of Kanban.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration, practical insights, or new connections, Kanban conferences and retreats feature something for everyone. Sign up for the event nearest you today!

MAY IN PORTUGAL

Kanban Leadership Retreat Europe

May 6-8, 2024
Cascais, Portugal

Register to Attend

Kanban Leadership Retreat Europe is your opportunity to Challenge, Explore, and Connect with likeminded Kanban enthusiasts in a smaller setting where participants shape the agenda. At the most recent Kanban Leadership Retreat, attendees brought their insights, pain points, questions, and interests, generating over thirty sessions that spanned 10 key themes, including scaling, educational strategy, non-IT applications, new innovations, effective tools, and much more!

OCTOBER IN AUSTRALIA

Kanban Australia

Friday, October 18, 2024
Sydney, Australia

Get Early Bird Tickets Now

Kanban Australia is brought to you to help promote deeper knowledge and usage of Kanban throughout Australia and it’s neighbours. At Kanban Australia you’ll be able to Connect, Share and Learn from worldwide and local experts and practitioners who use Kanban in their business.The Super Early Bird discount of 25% is available to the first 20 people who register before April 30th and an Early Bird discount of 10% is available to the next 20 people who register before June 30th.

NOVEMBER IN THE UNITED STATES

Kanban Leadership Retreat North America

November 11-13, 2024
Miami, Florida, USA

Sign Up for KLR in Miami

Connect with global experts, coaches, and practitioners in the vibrant atmosphere of South Beach at Kanban Leadership Retreat North America. Whether you are new to Kanban or an experienced professional, you’ll help plan the agenda with your insights, pain points, questions, and interests. Plus, take advantage of extended midday breaks to explore Miami’s renowned beaches, shopping, and cultural attractions.

Lock in the lowest price available now before registration goes up on May 1st!

DECEMBER IN INDIA

Kanban India

December 6-7, 2024
Bengaluru, India

Get Kanban India Tickets
Submit a Speaking Proposal

Kanban India is celebrating its 10th year in 2024! This conference has been a vital platform to further the foundation of the Kanban Method by bringing the teachings of the Alternative Path to Agility to professionals across the country. Join the 1400+ participants from 18+ countries who have participated in speaking and sharing their knowledge at Kanban India over the years.

Prior to the conference, we are offering the Kanban Train the Trainer (TTT) course in person with Todd Little, Chairman of Kanban University. Start your journey to becoming an Accredited Kanban Trainer (AKT) by demonstrating your Kanban mastery and learning how to deliver the Kanban University course curriculum.

Apply for the TTT at Kanban India

Filed Under: KU News Tagged With: Kanban Australia, Kanban India, Kanban Leadership Retreat

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