Planning and executing a continuous improvement event is a team activity. The team participating in the event is vital for its success. But there are other equally critical key roles. These roles are executive sponsor, value-stream manager, facilitator, event coordinator, and team-leader. Let’s see the responsibilities of each one.
Key roles for direction and support
The executive sponsor is typically a C-suite leader, vice-president, senior leader, general manager, or plant manager. His/her job is to provide direction and support to the event. For instance, the sponsor will talk at the beginning of the event to clarify that a successful activity is necessary for company performance. Moreover, the achievements of this type of exercise will not risk anyone’s job.
Frequently, the value-stream manager is a vice-president, director, or middle manager. It is someone that has the authority to approve policy-related changes. In addition, he or she has the power to approve improvements that can impact regulatory, financial, safety, or a critical process. The value-stream manager works with the event coordinator and participates in the planning and preparation stages. Another duty is to communicate complete support to the event and the team. Above all, should be present during the event ready to answer questions and remove barriers.
Key roles for planning
The event coordinator is responsible for the logistics of the event. For example, coordinate the event date(s), reserve the room, and send out invitations. Another task is to ensure that all necessary equipment and materials are available. The coordinator is part of the team whose responsibility is to identify the best team members. The other people responsible for this task are the value-stream manager and the HR manager.
Event Execution Roles
The facilitator is responsible for leading the event. Sometimes, the event coordinator and the facilitator are the same people. This situation is typical when the company has a seasoned staff in CI matters. The facilitator participates in planning, team selection, and event logistics. Also, it is part of the follow-up and post-event reflection.
In general, the team leader is the team member with the most knowledge in the process. This position may not be necessary if the event is led by an internal facilitator. But, if the facilitator is a consultant or external resource, the team leader is an advisor. The facilitator will ask this person for advice or help when needed.
External help for your kaizen event
If you are starting and have never done an event, you may want to hire an outside professional as your facilitator. The objective of a good external facilitator is to help you to become a skilled facilitator and coordinator. A good consultant will work with all the key roles in the planning, event execution, implementation, and follow-up of the event. He or she will teach each member how to fulfill their role successfully. Also, will let all key roles member to do their tasks while coaching them.
Are you ready for your first continuous improvement event? If you have doubts or need help to start your improvement journey, call Better Process Solutions. We can help!