The Visual Agile Coach From Chaos to Calm

The Visual Agile Coach observed that 20% of the team’s work takes 80% of the time because it is chaotic (unknown, new, urgent, a surprise).

The Visual Agile Coach uses the 80:20 rule to fashion an environment that is 80% calm to create the capacity to deal with the inevitable 20% chaos.

Warning: Chaos is just a fact of life – it is not going away anytime soon. Chaos is inevitable, but the 80/20 Rule helps create space for calm, focus, and higher performance.

When to use it

• The team is exhausted, firefighting is their BAU

• As part of continuous improvement practices

• A review of ways of working for better ways of working

Visual Agile Coaching Tips

• Allocate work to an 80% capacity to create a 20% buffer for the inevitable chaos.

• Automate or streamline repetitive tasks.

• Create response plans for emergencies.

• Design a calm work environment (quiet spaces, natural lighting).

This tool and many more are available in The Visual Agile Coach Playbook, available from online bookshops and at Amazon.