We always expect to be successful, but the right team leader can be the difference between success and great success. The primary job of the team leader is to keep the team on track and focused on the goals of the Kaizen. This can sometimes be a challenge, especially if the team is big.

The team leader should not be from the event area! This way there will be no conflict of interest or cries of favoritism. A leader from another area will also be able to bring a fresh perspective to the project, whereas some who works in the area every day may be more “stuck” on the way things currently are.

It needs to be very clear that normal work duties are suspended during this Kaizen event for the team members. Some planning ahead of time will be necessary. It is highly disruptive to a Kaizen event to have team members attempting to attend to their normal jobs when they’re supposed to be focused on the Kaizen activities. Management needs to understand and support this need.

Every event will have a co-leader. The selection criteria for the co-leader should follow the same guides as above.