The pattern shows hidden waiting in “Review” steps and recommends splitting mixed columns into separate waiting and work columns to make delays visible.
That "Review" column? It's mostly a waiting room.
This pattern uncovers hidden waiting times lurking within normal workflow columns by splitting mixed columns into their active work and waiting time components.
The Problem
The "Review" step takes 2 hours. But work sits in "Review" for a month. On the board, both look the same: one column called "Review." The waiting time is completely invisible — and so is the problem.
How It Works
Columns that mix active work and waiting time are split into two explicit columns — one for waiting (e.g., "Waiting for Review") and one for the actual work (e.g., "Review"). Now the board tells the truth: you can see exactly where work is stuck and for how long. Once the waiting column is visible, it becomes a conversation starter about why it takes so long to get a review and what can be changed.
When to Use It
- Columns like "Review," "Approval," or "Testing" exist that are in reality primarily waiting rooms
- Actual work time is a small fraction of cycle time in those steps
- You want to make the conversation about waiting time undeniable
Related Patterns
- Visualize All, Focus on Waiting Times — the broader pattern for making all waiting visible across the system
- Work of Others — reveals waiting caused by external parties, not just internal queues
Your play!
Get the cards and maps — all 18 FL2 Flow Patterns plus the new "Identify your Flow" companion map (A3 + A2 in EN, A3 in DE), ready to use in your next FL2 workshop or board design session.