Embrace the Unknown: Flexibility in Reactive Work

Different teams engage in varying types of workflow, categorized as either planned or reactive. Planned work allows for advance organization, while reactive work requires teams to adapt to unexpected challenges such as infrastructure security issues, operational performance, or technical support needs. Teams may scope projects but frequently encounter unforeseen tasks that necessitate immediate action, highlighting their need for flexibility. During project kickoffs, big-picture ideas are established without assigning specific tasks, thus empowering team members to determine their approach and prioritize emerging issues. The documentation of completed tasks over periods, such as six weeks, serves as both a record of their accomplishments and a reflection of their responsiveness. This process reveals that teams often navigate change dynamically, making their collective insights particularly valuable as they adjust to whatever comes next.