Daniel Vacanti is one of the forecasting and metrics experts in knowledge work. He teams-up with Klaus on March 21-22 to run an Improving Kanban training in Vienna. I had a nice chat with Dan where we talked about the upcoming training.
Katrin: The title of the training you’re running with Klaus is “Improving Kanban – Metrics Special”. What can training participants expect from the “Metrics Special” add-on?
Dan: Participants can expect to learn about what really matters when it comes to predictability, and how to use those concepts to make meaningful forecasts about the future. Unfortunately, actionable metrics is a topic that is not taught much in the Kanban community. The training class is a great opportunity for attendees to learn the truly important factors to consider when building a predictable process.
Katrin: All LEANability training classes focus on pragmatic, actionable content which participants can start to apply the day after the training. What real-life problems can participants solve with your metrics emphasize after the training?
Dan: Every day, knowledge workers are asked questions like “when will it be done?”, “how many items am I going to get in the next release”, etc. This training will give participants simple, practical tools to be able to answer those questions accurately. We will use participants’ own data to show them how to make reliable forecasts for customers. The lessons learned in the class will be immediately applicable once the training is finished.
Katrin: How much mathematical knowledge do participants need?
Dan: If you’ve graduated Kindergarten, then you have all the mathematical knowledge you need to understand the workshop topics. In all seriousness, the beauty of this approach is that it does not rely on esoteric or abstract concepts. While some math will be needed, the idea is to keep that math as simple as possible so as not to confuse the important concepts of predictability.