Purpose of Kaizen Events

Kaizen Events are bursts of improvement activity, where typically employees from different departments participate in a one- or multiday workshop to solve a business problem.

In my experience, the purpose of these events is not limited to just solving a problem. By solving a problem together we also aim at building capabilities and trust.

What capabilities are we developping during Kaizen Events?

First, we develop process understanding; i.e. understand how my work relates to that of my colleagues and eventually to the customer.

Second, we train people in problem solving methods and lean practices such as A3, fishbone, process mapping, 5 why's.

Why and how do we develop trust and relationships during Kaizen Events?

Cooperation and trust between people (esp. from different departments) are at the foundation of continuous improvement. Without trust and teamwork, there can be no autonomous kaizen. In my experience, people who have solved a problem together during a Kaizen Event have build relationships. They have a betting understanding of eachother's work and concerns. Consequently, I find that whenever a new problem occurs, they'll contact eachother much easier.

Go See - understand the process at the gemba

Here are some tips that can help you work towards this purpose of Kaizen Events:

• Plan time to train employees in problem solving tools, before applying them
• Allow time for participants to share views and opinions. The benefit is in the dialogue, not in rushing to the solution.

Taking time to reflect with the team

It wasn't until reviewing this article, that I realised the summary of this article is the same as my slogan "Improving Performance, Growing Together": improve your process and business while developping people and fostering teamwork.