From KPIs to Action
How to Select the Right Lean Six Sigma Project
In our previous post, we explored how Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) serve as the compass for Lean Six Sigma (LSS) initiatives. They help us measure what matters and identify areas ripe for improvement. But once you’ve identified a performance gap, the next question is: How do you choose the right project to tackle?
At Leanademy, we believe that effective project selection is the bridge between insight and impact. To help you make smarter choices, let’s walk through three common approaches to project selection—and how to evolve toward a structured, data-driven method.
1. Brainstorming: The Starting Point
To begin with, many teams rely on brainstorming. Ideas are generated based on experience, intuition, or anecdotal evidence. While this can surface valuable insights, it has limitations:
- Projects may not align with business priorities.
- Decisions are made without supporting data.
- There’s a risk of solving symptoms rather than root causes.
Tip: Use brainstorming as a way to gather initial ideas, but don’t stop there. Instead, validate those ideas with data to ensure they’re worth pursuing.
2. Obvious Problems: The Low-Hanging Fruit
Next, some teams gravitate toward problems that are easy to spot—frequent customer complaints, recurring defects, or bottlenecks in a process. These are tempting targets because:
- They’re clearly visible.
- They often cause pain to customers or employees.
- They seem like “quick wins.”
However, just because a problem is obvious doesn’t mean it’s the most impactful. Without deeper analysis, you might miss the underlying drivers or choose a project that doesn’t move the needle on strategic goals.
3. Structured Selection: The Lean Six Sigma Way
Finally, we arrive at the most effective approach: structured project selection. This is where Lean Six Sigma truly shines. Structured selection is:
- Data-driven: You use KPIs and other metrics to identify performance gaps.
- Strategic: Projects are aligned with business objectives.
- Focused: Data defines the problem, eliminating guesswork.
By starting with KPIs, you ensure that your project is grounded in measurable need. This approach helps prioritize initiatives that deliver real value—whether it’s reducing cycle time, improving quality, or enhancing customer satisfaction.
Bringing It All Together
In summary, project selection isn’t just about choosing what’s easy or obvious—it’s about choosing what’s right. The most successful LSS projects are those that:
✅ Address a clearly defined problem
✅ Are backed by data
✅ Align with strategic goals
✅ Have measurable outcomes
So, the next time you’re faced with a list of potential projects, ask yourself: Is this idea supported by data? Does it tie into our KPIs and business priorities?
If the answer is yes, you’re on the path to meaningful improvement.
Ready to Choose the Right Project?
At Leanademy, we help professionals like you move from insight to action with confidence. Whether you’re just starting your Lean Six Sigma journey or refining your project portfolio, our training and tools are designed to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Explore our Yellow Belt, Green Belt and Black Belt courses to learn how to select, scope, and execute high-impact projects.
👉 Need help choosing your next project? Reach out for a free consultation or check out our project selection templates.
Let’s turn your KPIs into real results—one project at a time.
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