Magic Funnel, Part 3: Covey's Miracle

Magic Funnel, Part 3: Covey's Miracle 81

Posted by tottinger Fri, 18 Apr 2008 03:15:00 GMT

We had a team of surrogate stakeholders in the room, and all the very most important stories (as far as we could tell) on a table in front of us.

“These are the most important?” Heads nodded. “Then,” I asked, “what makes them important?” Brows furrowed, and well-considered answers poured forth.

I collected their reasons for importance. Some were about keeping promises, some were about providing increased quality (uptime, correct function), and there were other kinds of importance. We wrote them on a 3×5 card. Ultimately, we realized that the company’s reputation is their source of importance. Users needed to know that the company will do the right things, and provide software that worked and kept them working. I thought it was a good criteria.

Next I explained that urgency is different from importance. There may be a hot demand for some cosmetic changes that don’t really impact the company’s reputation one way or another. There may be some changes that in the direction we want to go. These may be hot topics, but may not be truly important.

We could see a difference between the forces of urgency and the force of importance, but there is gray area as a sufficient pent-up demand for otherwise unimportant changes could in fact effect our reputation for service. Still, we could usually see a crisp-enough boundary for any given user story.

I then (re-)introduced the team to Stephen Covey’s four-quadrant system. It has two axes. The vertical is importance (important at the top, unimportant below). The horizontal is urgency with urgent things to the left and non-urgent on the right:

Q1 Important and Urgent	Q2 Important, not Urgent
Q3 Unimportant and Urgent	Q4 Neither important nor urgent

We took our set of cards and the team determined groupings. Was this a quadrant one activity? Quadrant 3? Quadrant 2? There were some real surprises, especially when we realized our “most important” bit of work was not urgent and should wait until quadrant one activities were finished.

Covey’s recommendation is that we tackle first those items that are both important and urgent. When we knock that stack down, we move on to those that are important but not urgent. If we have time left, those non-important-but-urgent items can “fly standby” in our sprint. We reordered the priorities in accordance with Covey’s recommendation.

We had no cards that were both unimportant and non-urgent.

At this point in time, we had what looked very much like a magic funnel. Ideas came in from everywhere, and the items that moved from the planning team to the developers came out in the “magically correct” order. We agreed that the selection and the ordering were the best we could do at the time.

Our next sprint planning meeting was remarkably efficient.

Posted in Tim's Tepid Torrent
Tags covey, FIRST, funnel, important, magic, prioritizing, Quadrants, Things, Urgent
Meta 81 comments, permalink, rss, atom

Comments

Leave a response

Vasco Duarte about 15 hours later:

The quadrant idea is quite good to explain the real meaning of priority to stakeholders, however I find that to get them to cooperate on defining the priority (where there’s more than one stakeholder), the pattern described here is also quite good.
Greg Mohr about 15 hours later:

Apologies for stating the obvious, but I think your quadrants need a mirror. You wrote, “urgent things to the right, and non-urgent on the left,” but the quadrants are shown in reverse along that axis. Petty, I’m sure, and it doesn’t change the value inherent in the idea.

I’ve seen the same 4-box model suggested with different axes (for example, replacing urgency with difficulty). The axes probably need to be flexible to change with the environment, but I think the four quadrant priority scheme is very useful, especially if it exposes anything in quadrant 4.

Ah, you’re right, and I switched it. Thanks.— Tim
Mike Polen 1 day later:

I was talking with a friend over Spring Break that had a problem with multiple customers. I didn’t have a good recomendation. Now I do…Magic Funnel.

Thanks, Mike
gucci louis vuitton shoes about 1 year later:

Welcome to Freshstyleshop, the hottest urban clothing site on the net! We offer great products from Gucci sneakers, prada sneakers, LV shoes, True Religion Jeans and many more! Our selection of products are always increasing for the fact that we have new items added weekly to our selection. All products on our site are already marked down 40-60% off retail price. Freshstyleshop also backs all its orders with a 110% satisfaction guarantee, making sure that our customers are left satisfied with the hottest products on the net.
annie2278 about 1 year later:

We agreed that the selection and the ordering were the best we could do at the time.Good choice is a good start.
Wmv to ipad about 1 year later:

it is a good start
Love Click over 2 years later:

I agree with that
rehearsal dinner over 2 years later:

A miracle is an event which creates faith. That is the purpose and nature of miracles. Frauds deceive. An event which creates faith does not deceive: therefore it is not a fraud, but a miracle.
Ed hardy shoes over 2 years later:

Thank you for sharing your great article. Hope we have further communication soon.
Jersey dress over 2 years later:

In this summer, the romantic and small, is confronted dragon-boat festival holiday for a picnic superexcellent period. Romantic, melting snow spins dress is today season vogue girls wear build up the important sheet is tasted, using qualitative produce elegant light spins the romantic sense, plus the broken this year popular element , presents different female glamour.
Leisure over 2 years later:

Sunshine of summer, the beautiful flower asperses full whole body, sweet and elegant breath, the circulation of the spread of elegant silk dress eyes from the waves to linger flying skirt . A gentle and graceful elasticity waist foil, more show delicate temperament of your daughter beauties.
liding rode over 2 years later:

OK, I got it. Thanks for your sharing. That is very interesting Smile I love reading and I am always searching for informative information like this.
cheap vps over 2 years later:

collected their reasons for importance. Some were about keeping promises, some were about providing increased quality (uptime, correct function), and there were other kinds of importance. We wrote them on a 3×5 card. Ultimately, we realized that the company’s reputation is their source of importance. Users needed to know that the company will do the right things, and provide software that worked and kept them working. I thought it was a good criteria.

Next I explained that urgency is different from importance. There may be a hot demand for some cosmetic changes that don’t really impact the company’s reputation one way or another. There may be some changes that in the direction we want to go. These may be hot topics, but may not be truly important.cheap VPS
gucci mens over 2 years later:

thx
replica louis vuitton belt over 2 years later:

replica louis vuitton belts, replica lv belts, replica lv belts, Elegant replica louis vuitton belt, Fashion replica louis vuitton belts for men, replica louis vuitton mens belt.
Adjusting your diet to a healthier way of eating is a way to lose belly fat without dieting that works for many people. Instead of putting yourself on a restrictive and often unsafe diet, you can try adjusting the way you eat. Instead of five cookies, maybe have one small slice of low fat angel food cake. Simple exchanges like that will provide you with a way of eating that will keep you healthy your entire life.
armani belt over 2 years later:

armani belt, armani belts, armani belts for men, armani mens belt. The biggest benefit with classic styles is that they’re never trendy. Trendy styles are meant to push the boundaries and draw attention to the garment. A trendy look is meant to make a bold statement and never slips gracefully into the fashion parade.
Men’s belts over 2 years later:

Men’s belts, LV men’s belts, Fashionable Gucci men’s belts, Attractive style Hermes men’s belts.
The earpiece also works with most phones that allow Bluetooth connections, although Earloomz suggests users check their phone manual to be sure.
Hermes belt over 2 years later:

Hermes belt, Hermes belts, Hermes Mens belts, Hermes belts for men.
To get the beachy, wavy look it helps if your hair has some natural wave to it and this look works on hair of almost any length, even chin-length hair or a bit shorter.
gucci wallet over 2 years later:

gucci wallet, gucci wallets, mens gucci wallet, women gucci wallet.
To get the beachy, wavy look it helps if your hair has some natural wave to it and this look works on hair of almost any length, even chin-length hair or a bit shorter.
louis vuitton wallet over 2 years later:

louis vuitton wallet, louis vuitton wallets, mens louis vuitton wallet, women louis vuitton wallet.
Bedrooms are a place for rest and relaxation. The simplicity of modern bedroom designs creates a calmness that makes that feeling even more prevalent, There are funny and strange bedrooms with different shapes .
dupont lighter over 2 years later:

dupont lighter, dupont lighters, st dupont lighter, s.t. dupont lighters. As classical music evolved, distinctive characteristics developed. Changes in form were seen along with changes in phrase structure.
bag manufacturer over 2 years later:

ed quality (uptime, correct function), and there were other kinds of importance. We wrote them on a 3×5 card. Ultimately, we realized that the comp
suprasshoes over 2 years later:

Supra Shoes Sale Free&Fast Shipping, Factory Direct. Supra have broken away from the traditional and come out with a number of different Supra Sneakers experimenting with various and fabulous colours. Up to Now, Supra Footwear is welcomed by most people for its high quality, nice appearance and reasonable price. Supra Skate Shoes Wearhouse Clearance!
Tenant Screening over 3 years later:

Credasys offers full tenant screening, employment screening and mortgage credit checks services to property managers, landlords, and others in the real estate and rental industry.
Designer Bags over 3 years later:

Thanks for ur nice sharing!!It help me a lot with those information!
Foods Rich In Protein over 3 years later:

nice appearance and reasonable price. Supra Skate Shoes Wearhouse Clearance
Pandora over 3 years later:

and he showed me a function he was writing. In the midst of the function I saw this
pandora over 3 years later:

An important feature about acquiring on the web is you’re able to notice anything at all your presents, whereby a shop it may be difficult to type nonetheless his or her inventory to discover what’s right. Mums enjoy presents which can be unique. Make an effort to current your mom utilizing a present that may be customized, as a possible case in point a ring employing their brand personalized inside. Precious metal rings lead to wonderful items simply because they immortalize your own mom?¡¥s name inside platinum. A rare metal necklace along with a necklace produces a fantastic products for your mother, and also items which can be frequently disregarded .
ron over 3 years later:

i really a preiciate your hard work on writhing this great articles and sharing thanks a lot for all your hard work!
Silicone Molding over 3 years later:

Intertech Machinery Inc. provides the most precise Plastic Injection Mold and Rubber Molds from Taiwan. With applying excellent unscrewing device in molds, Intertech is also very professional for making flip top Cap Molds in the world.
<a href="http://www.franchisebusiness.in/c/Jaaydaad-com">jaaydaad.com</a> over 3 years later:

Thanks such a great post. keep it up!
monita over 3 years later:

This is a good mags that help us to know all the things that happen in this world according to the point of view of church. This can make us thinking bout one problem in a very different point of view. irish lottery results
Criminal Check over 3 years later:

I think the four quadrant priority scheme is very useful, especially if it exposes anything in quadrant 4.
accounting services over 3 years later:

Thank you for sharing your great article. Hope we have further communication soon.accounting services
Packers jerseys over 3 years later:

Couldn’t agree more…Had a post already written about this too, (good job i checked around first)never mind.It is a really good tune though. Here’s hoping more labels wise up and do this.
angel wind turbine over 3 years later:

Building a wind turbine energy product is generally a exciting challenge wind generator that aids the atmosphere windmill and reduces
Criminal Records over 3 years later:

At this point in time, we had what looked very much like a magic funnel. Ideas came in from everywhere, and the items that moved from the planning team to the developers came out in the “magically correct” order. We agreed that the selection and the ordering were the best we could do at the time.
Mario spelletjes over 3 years later:

An important feature about acquiring on the web is you’re able to notice anything at all your presents, whereby a shop it may be difficult to type nonetheless his or her inventory to discover what’s right. Mums enjoy presents which can be unique. Make an effort to current your mom utilizing a present that may be customized, as a possible case in point a ring employing their brand personalized inside. Precious metal rings lead to wonderful items simply because they immortalize your own mom?¡¥s name inside platinum. A rare metal necklace along with a necklace produces a fantastic products for your mother, and also items which can be frequently disregarded .
Tenant Screening over 3 years later:

Ideas came in from everywhere, and the items that moved from the planning team to the developers came out in the “magically correct” order. We agreed that the selection and the ordering were the best we could do at the time.
places to visit in Asia over 3 years later:

The biggest benefit with classic styles is that they’re never trendy. Trendy styles are meant to push the boundaries and draw attention to the garment. A trendy look is meant to make a bold statement and never slips gracefully into the fashion parade
http://www.beltsok.com/hermes-belt.html over 3 years later:

Hermes belt store offers high quality and cheap designer belts, please have a look.
dory over 3 years later:

great article, very useful information, thank you. Social Network
Seobaglyak over 3 years later:

thanks for writing this article…..
myglobalmax over 3 years later:

This was such an interesting read….had to go through it twice. Thanks.
Hermes belt over 3 years later:

Strongly recommended for shopping at Hermes belt store.
Hermes belt over 3 years later:

Strongly recommended for shopping at Hermes belt store.
WWW.theblogsuccess.com/dogtrainingacademy101@gmail.com over 3 years later:

This a superb site! The Blog Success
<ahref="http://WWW.theblogsuccess.com">The Blog Success</a>/dogtrainingacademy101@gmail.com over 3 years later:

Great post!!
okey oyunu oyna over 3 years later:

good idea…

internette görüntülü olarak okey oyunu oyna, gerçek kisilerle tanis, turnuva heyecanini yasa.
Hermes belts over 3 years later:

Strongly recommended for shopping at Hermes belts store.
Hermes belt over 3 years later:

Hermes belt store offers high quality and cheap designer belts, please have a look.
??? over 3 years later:

??? ??

? ???

??? ??
beats by dr dre headphones over 3 years later:

I attempted these beats by dr dre studio out in several genres thinking about which i listen to an eclectic mix Beats By Dr Dre. a washing cloth as well as the manual. Do not purchase any beats by dr dre solo purple products inside the internet unless you’re getting from an Authorized internet DealerBeats By Dre Just Solo. We are reliable provide good beats by dr dre pro black by reduced price.
Dimitri Snowden over 3 years later:

This really does look like a miracle!
reviews of provillus over 3 years later:

hmm ,i’m not sure if this is what i’m looking for but anyway this is interresting and could be useful some day,thanks for taking time to write such cool stuff
beats by dre store over 3 years later:

which can be unique. Make an effort to current your mom utilizing a present that may be customized, as a possible case in point a ring employinghigh quality headphones new design headphones
oilpaintings over 3 years later:

We are dedicated to providing our clients with oil paintings by retail or wholesale online, we have thousands of paintings for sale. You can buy high-quality and discount oil paintings in our online shop.
canada goose coat over 3 years later:

When it comes to feather dress, what appears in your mind? Which kind brand of down jacket do you like prefer? Though there are many down jackets for you to choose from, on the word, which one you really enjoy? I want to say that canada goose coats is really your best choice. I believe you can’t agree with me any more. When you take the quality into consideration, you will find that it is superior to any other kind of coat. Besides, discount canada goose jackets is a world well-known brand, which has gained high reputation in the world, which has accepted by our customers and some organization. Because of its high quality, some of our loyal customers have promoted it to the people around them. In their opinion, it is good to informing others to know it. Recently, Canada Goose Trillium Parka is on hot sale. What I have to inform you is that all the products there are made by hand, so they are elaborative and elegant enough. It is really beautiful once you dress in. So, if you are a lovely girl or woman, go to the store to buy one for you. You will appreciate it that you have such a coat.In addition, they also have any other products like canada goose Gloves and canada goose jacket supplier.Hope your will like its!
Jordan Hats over 3 years later:

Recently established in 2006, http://www.snapbackhatcaps.com is the website of a company that has been in business in the Chinese market for about 3 years. They are Cheap Snapback Hats manufacture in china, The company specialize in supplying Wholesale Snapbacks Hats, such as Wholesale Snapbacks, NBA Snapback Hats, NFL Snapback Hats, NHL Snapback Hats and so on. They pay attention to their products quality and service.
best sleep aid over 3 years later:

hmm ,i’m not sure if this is what i’m looking for but anyway this is interresting and could be useful some day,thanks for taking time to write such cool stuff
Ashley Bowling over 3 years later:

This sinking air holds air contaminants near the earth, making the sunset even redder than usual. This would be the “red sky at night.”
christian louboutin over 4 years later:

This sinking air holds air contaminants near the earth, making the sunset even redder than usual. This would be the “red sky at night.”
gucci scarf over 4 years later:

some periods
cheap snapback hats over 4 years later:

With attention to clothes organizationapproved adapt in the bolt providers is absolutely taboo any acceptable accommodate string.
cheap air shoes over 4 years later:

For instance, as the months are generally over, you will start to see some fantastic deals. The official site of the minnesota vikings tienda camisetas futbol americano,
cheap china jerseys over 4 years later:

That’s very true when you find yourself coming from an incredibly tough season much like the St. Louis Rams, Gambling or Seattle Seahawks this season for starters.
inexpensive jerseys over 4 years later:

those long months if you have no football to view. Inside the teams burst through from last playoff to playoff berth a single season every time.
snapback fitted hats over 4 years later:

This means the right time to act has become, as the months are generally over so plan for the coming year and have ready today.
asbestos surveys london over 4 years later:

Excellent piece of information.Keep it up!
fashion information over 4 years later:

I think this type of article is useful for many readers blog.Thank you sou much.
carbon monoxide detector over 4 years later:

This is awesome content. I think I actually understand the concepts you are trying to convey. I agree on several of the points you’ve listed. You make sense to me.
iPhone contacts backup over 4 years later:

with iPhone contacts backup application. you can easily export the contacts on iPhone to computer or itunes easily. without too much trouble.
iphone sms to mac backup over 4 years later:

Most of us will delete the SMS file if the iPhone inbox is full. For some of the very important text file, you would like to save it to Mac hard drive and read it later or you need print them. So, why not export the text message to HDD and save it now?
mbtshoe over 4 years later:

Australia Beats By Dre Studio dr dre beats headphones beats studio beats pro beats solo hd pro headphones music Official store Monster Beats By Dre Pro
Christian Louboutin Stroe over 4 years later:

It is really awesome to discover your site on the webI am looking for something else, but cool site. [url=hhttp://www.christianlouboutin-onlineshop.com/]Christian Louboutin Online Shop[/url] I would like to read your blog every day.I am so lucky.3o
youngbrown over 4 years later:

Thanks for the information, I’ll visit the site again to get update information action figures
louboutin sales over 4 years later:

Magic Funnel, Part 3: Covey’s Miracle 76 hoo,good article!!I like the post!70
bladeless fans over 4 years later:

Magic Funnel, Part 3: Covey’s Miracle 77 good post111
Gardening Expert Blog over 4 years later:

The post is written in very a good manner and it entails many useful information for me. I am happy to find your distinguished way of writing the post. Now you make it easy for me to understand and implement the concept.
rayban over 4 years later:

?????????????????????UV????????http://www.e-rayban.net/ ?? ??????????????????????
hermes bag prices over 4 years later:

No matter what type of diaper bag you choose to use?

Mentor	twitter id
Uncle Bob	unclebobmartin
Brett Schuchert	schuchert
Michael Feathers	mfeathers
Bob Koss	bob_koss

Magic Funnel, Part 3: Covey's Miracle 81

Comments

Blog Search

Follow us on twitter

Categories

Blogroll

Syndicate