The Kanban method started out as a just in time manufacturing process developed by Toyota. Inspiration come from an unlikely source. They looked at Supermarkets and how they stock inventory. Today, the method is a valuable project management tool – and not just for car manufactures or software developers. It is also know as an agile project management tool.
The physical or virtual board shows most commonly three sections:

• To Do
• In Progress
• Done

The method (Japanese: kanban = visual sign) provides full visibility for each team member on the project progress.

Kanban board benefits

Kanban boards are transparent and communicate team capacity in real time. Every team member is supposed to have access to the board to see and track the progress. This improves collaboration, efficiency and helps to meet the team goals. The board itself can be adapted to better fit the requirements for any team. Especially a physical board is very adaptable. All you need is a white board, a pen and index cards. Virtual boards are great for teams that do not work in the same location. Most tools offer solutions to adapt the board to your needs.

For example adding the responsible team member makes it easier to allocate tasks. Also new sections can easily be added to the workflow. Other ideas that might work for you:

• Add a brief description of the job
• Indicate how long the job will take
• Show various deadlines
• Include expected or upcoming tasks in the workflow
• Allocate tasks for new jobs
• Highlight urgent tasks
• Use different shapes and colours for your cards

Do you need help with project management?

Prisma is your guide for tackling challenging financial communication projects. Our dedicated Prisma Project Manager provides you with regular status update on your annual report or shareholder mailing. Just ask and contact us.

What do Donkeys, Jude Law, not being important and the 10×6 Female founders event (by Paperjam + Delano Business Club) have in common? 10 female founders had six minutes each to share their stories. Among them was Prisma’s CEO Carole Miltgen!

I can relate to the previous German chancellor, Mrs Merkel, who once said in an interview -I draw a distinction between those who fought all their life for women’s rights and people like me who merely had to find their way to contribute. My importance to women came automatically by simply being a woman and being powerful.- This is exactly how I feel. 

Carole Miltgen

Did you miss the event?

Carole Miltgen talked about her thoughts on company culture and creating a company of trust where everyone is their own entrepreneur. Don’t worry if you have missed it.

Watch her speech here.

When you found a company in 2006 and your client is Lehman Brothers, you have sleepless nights in 2008, worrying how to pay your team..

Carole Miltgen

Read the interview with Carole Miltgen: It is my job to create a culture of trust

Our CEO, Carole Miltgen, joined the 10×6 Female Founders event. 10 women had only six minutes to share their experience on entrepreneurship, founding companies and the challenges along the way.

What does Jude Law have to do with all of this? Listen to the Carole Miltgen’s talk at the 10×6 Female Founders event here.

Paperjam conducted an interview with the Prisma CEO:

What has fascinated you about your field and how has this passion been the catalyst for the creation of your company?

Carole Miltgen. – “I want to be the master of my destiny as I do despise any kind of dependence. After what felt like the end of my world, I didn’t know what direction to take, so I decided to go straight ahead, take my destiny in my own hands and work at my rhythm, creating a company that I would have liked to work for when I was young.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned during your entrepreneurial journey and how has it shaped your approach to professional challenges?

“Oh, there are so many. If I had to pick just one, I’d say it is consistency. Enthusiasm fluctuates – consistent actions accumulate! This is valid for all aspects in life, not only work life. Whether you want to learn the piano, win a sports competition or run a company. If you rely on your motivation, some days will simply be difficult. If, however, one consistently does a good job, at one’s best ability, one will be successful, because a bad day does not mean a bad life.

How would you describe your leadership style and how do you think it contributes to your company’s culture and success?

“ ‘Be the least important person in the company!’ I always considered it my job to create a culture of trust in which this is possible, and I’m happy to see that I have achieved this. My goal has always been to share all my knowledge and slowly let go of the day-to-day activities. I have provided a full toolbox to my team members, enabling them to be their own entrepreneur of their own project in a safe environment. This said, I will always have their back, as ‘being the least important person in the company’ does not mean dropping anyone in the thick of it, but rather trusting and appreciating their own way of handling their work. Mind you, if Prisma was a country, they could hold a coup against me and gain total power if they wanted to, LOL…”

Learn more:

Read the full Paperjam article

10×6 Female Founders