Sprint

Set the stage for sprint

Instructions

Define the challenge you want to solve. Start by identifying the specific problem or challenge you want to address with the sprint. It could be a complex issue that requires a significant investment of time and resources, a time-sensitive problem, or a project that you find difficult to initiate. Make sure to focus on the most important problem at hand.
Choose the team's Decider. Choose a key decision-maker for the sprint. This person should have a deep understanding of the problem and possess the authority to make important decisions. It could be the CEO, founder, or project manager who can contribute valuable insights and criteria to find the right solution.
Involve the Decider in the sprint. Ensure that the Decider actively participates in the sprint process. If they are unable to commit to the full week, invite them to join at critical points. In cases where their participation is limited, designate an official delegate to represent the Decider's perspective during the sprint.
Assemble the sprint team. Bring together a cohesive sprint team that will work closely with you throughout the sprint. Ideally, the team should consist of seven or fewer individuals. Include key members involved in product development or service delivery, such as engineers, designers, and product managers. Additionally, consider including experts with specialized knowledge in areas like finance, marketing, customer experience, technology/logistics, and design.
Include a troublemaker. Invite someone who thinks differently and challenges the status quo to join the sprint. Troublemakers often bring unique perspectives and ideas that can lead to innovative solutions. Look for individuals who are intelligent, have strong opinions, and can shed new light on the problem at hand.
Schedule extra experts for Monday. If you have more than seven participants for the sprint, schedule "experts" to join briefly on Monday afternoon. These experts can share their knowledge and opinions with the team, enhancing the diversity of perspectives. Allocate around half an hour for each expert, allowing you to maintain a small and agile team while benefiting from their valuable insights.
Appoint a Facilitator. Choose a Facilitator who will manage the sprint process, including timekeeping, facilitating discussions, and ensuring overall progress. The Facilitator should be comfortable leading meetings, summarizing conversations, and guiding the team. It is advisable to have a Facilitator who is unbiased and not directly involved in decision-making to maintain an objective perspective.
Establish a six-hour workday during the sprint. Plan the sprint to run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. This schedule allows participants to catch up on emails and feel prepared before starting the day. Ending the day before exhaustion sets in helps maintain high energy levels throughout the week.
Block five full days on the calendar. Reserve Monday through Friday for the sprint on everyone's calendar. Ensure that all team members commit to being fully present and available for the entire sprint week. This dedicated time fosters focus and allows for meaningful progress without overwhelming the team.
Implement the no-device rule. Enforce a no-device policy during sprint activities to maximize focus and engagement. Encourage all team members to refrain from using laptops and mobile phones except during scheduled breaks or for urgent matters outside the room.
Use whiteboards. Make sure the sprint room is equipped with at least two large whiteboards. These boards will serve as valuable tools for visualizing ideas, capturing important notes, and facilitating discussions throughout the sprint.