During the preparation phase of a Kaizen event, what is the team's first task?

In the preparation phase of a Kaizen event, the team's first task is to document and agree upon the business opportunity or gap. This step is crucial because it establishes a clear understanding of what needs to be improved and why the Kaizen event is necessary. By identifying and agreeing upon the specific issue, the team sets the stage for focused discussions and efforts during the event. Understanding the business opportunity ensures that all team members are aligned on the objectives, facilitating effective collaboration and targeted problem-solving throughout the Kaizen process.

Identifying the gap or opportunity helps prioritize actions that will have the most significant impact on the organization. This clarity motivates team members and provides direction as the team begins to develop solutions. Once the opportunity is documented and agreed upon, subsequent tasks, such as assigning roles and responsibilities or gathering historical performance data, can be addressed with a shared objective in mind, ensuring that all activities are relevant to the identified need.