Kaizen Event (aka Rapid Improvement Event)

A Kaizen Event is also known as a Rapid Improvement Event.

Kaizen is a Japanese word that combines the ideas of “change” and “goodness” which basically translates to “improve for the better.” In practice a Kaizen is a Rapid Improvement Event that generally spans from 1 to 5 days and involves key process participants focusing on solving a narrowly scoped process improvement opportunity. The difference between Kaizen and typical workshops is threefold:

The planning for the event is extensive
Leadership has given explicit approval for change
The agreed upon improvement takes place before the Kaizen event is completed

For a better understanding of Kaizen Events and an overview of Lean Six Sigma, check out our Free Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training, Green Belt Training or Lean Training.

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Elisabeth Swan

Elisabeth is a Managing Partner at GoLeanSixSigma.com, the co-author of The Problem-Solver’s Toolkit and co-host of the Just-in-Time Cafe. For over 25 years, she's helped leading organizations like Amazon, Charles Schwab and Starwood Hotels & Resorts build problem-solving muscles with Lean Six Sigma to achieve their goals.