What is a key purpose of the Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration?

The key purpose of the Innovation and Planning (IP) Iteration is to ensure that teams have dedicated time for exploring innovative ideas and planning future work, rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day demands of urgent tasks. The concept of the "tyranny of the urgent" refers to the phenomenon where pressing tasks overshadow long-term goals and creative activities, potentially stifling innovation and improvement efforts.

By integrating regular IP Iterations into the cadence of work, organizations can create a structured time frame where teams can actively engage in innovation, problem-solving, and reflection on their processes. This iteration allows teams to focus on activities such as exploring new technologies, addressing feedback from previous iterations on products, and planning for future iterations without the pressure of immediate deliverables. Having this dedicated time helps maintain a balance between urgent day-to-day work and the longer-term strategic initiatives that drive continuous improvement and competitive advantage.