ADHD brains are usually motivated by INCUP (interest, novelty, challenge, urgency, and passion). While it may not be possible to have all of these all of the time, we can take steps to keep some challenge and urgency in the mix. How you ask?

Using Sprints in your business can keep things exciting!

Sprints are time-boxed periods where we complete a specified task or part of a larger project. Sprints are used in a variety of project management styles, including agile and scrum, and are great for creating challenge and urgency.

Sprints last 1-4 weeks (as short as possible for the challenge you set yourself) and involve time for planning, doing, and reviewing what you’ve achieved. Sprints are helpful for:

• Boosting productivity (raise your hand if you ‘work best with a deadline’)

• Improving collaboration (everyone is focused on one thing at a time)

• Flexibility and adaptability (a sprint can help you take advantage of a new opportunity)

• Getting frequent feedback on a larger project (you are regularly stopping to review and plan your next steps)

• Creating transparent progress monitoring (you are going to be referring back to your goals in your reviews - ideal for staying on track).

Because sprints offer a ‘fresh slate’ they are a really great way of adapting to new situations, keeping implementing your lessons learned, and for boosting your motivation!

Sprinting Solo

Solo sprints work well if you work for yourself or if you just need some variety in your working weeks! Here are the steps of a solo sprint:

#1 Scope out and plan your sprint

This happens before your sprint. You need to know:

• The purpose of the sprint

• What needs to happen to make the sprint possible (e.g. OOOs or extra support)

• Any duties that you will need to keep doing during your sprint - minimise as much as possible!

#2 Set your start date

Once your start date is set it does not move - this is set in stone and your number 1 priority for the sprint period!

#3 Delegate and defer as much other work as possible

Before your sprint, work out what you won’t be doing. Make sure it’s all taken care of in advance, we want all of your brain power for the sprint itself!

#4 SPRINT!

Do the doing - go, go go! If you’re sprinting solo, remember this is an intense work period but you still need food, rest, and relaxation time. 

#5 Review the work done during your sprint

At the end of the sprint, review the work you completed. What would you do differently next time?

#6 Review any changes needed as you return to normal work life

Then review the sprint itself - was there anything that worked particularly well? Did you give yourself the right about of time? Is there anything you’d do differently in future? 

Sprinting with Company

#1 Choose the style of sprint that will best suit your needs

From scrum to kanban to Extreme Programming (XP) there are a wide range of sprint styles. You can get really far into the weeds, but all you really need to know is your goals and how you’ll work together for your sprint - clarity and communication are key!

#2 Set the goal of your sprint - what’s the purpose?

Make sure your sprint is a sprint. What’s the goal you’ll achieve by the end?

#3 Recruit your team

Who do you need to be involved? Think about:

• The skills needed

• The capacity needed

• The knowledge needed

• The authority needed

 

#4 Hold a planning meeting

Once you know who will be there - plan your sprint collaboratively. Divvy up tasks clearly, set deadlines, make sure you know who is responsible for what and how you will approach any roadblocks.

#5 SPRINT

As far as possible, your sprint is your only focus. Clear off other diary commitments, defer and delegate as much as you can!

#6 Review the work achieved during your sprint

How were your outputs? What did everyone contribute?

#7 Review the process and what you would like from your next sprint

How was the process? What worked well and what needs tweaked?

This is the time to check in with everything you’ve done and make sure you are even better prepared for the next one!