Last week, we talked about how using a pull system helped us get more work done.

This week, we’re making that idea tangible by showing you how to build a simple Kanban board in Microsoft Planner, a tool you likely already have if you subscribe to Microsoft 365.

1. Open Microsoft Planner

1. Sign in to Microsoft 365 (https://www.office.com).
2. Select the App Launcher (grid or waffle icon in top left) in the top-left corner.
3. Click Planner (it might be under More Apps > All Apps)

2. Create a New Plan

1. Select + Create a Plan
2. Under Start from Scratch, select Basic Plan
3. Select Create Basic Plan in the lower right corner
4. Enter a Plan Name (e.g., WIP Tracker).
5. Choose Privacy options in Share with your group
   • Private (recommended for internal teams)
   • Public (visible to organization)
6. Click Create Basic Plan.

3. Create Kanban Columns (Buckets)

Buckets represent Kanban columns.

1. Locate the existing default bucket.
2. Rename it:
   • Click the bucket name.
   • Replace with To Do.
3. Select Add new bucket.
4. Enter Doing, then press Enter.
5. Repeat:
   • Add another bucket named Done.

4. Add Tasks to Each Column

1. Under the To Do bucket:
   • Click + Add task.
   • Enter a task name.
   • Click Add task.
2. Repeat to create multiple tasks.
3. Drag tasks between:
   • To Do → Doing → Done as work progresses.

Next week, we will dive into the scorecard we use to assess work before it gets put in the Doing column.

PS: Leaders shouldn’t have to know every tool Microsoft provides as part of their subscriptions. The Outlier Team is here to help you learn what you could be using in your subscription, and eliminating other expensive technologies that duplicate what you’re already paying for. For a free assessment, simply reply to this email.