Project Team Selection

Lean Six Sigma project team selection is the cornerstone of a successful Lean Six Sigma project. Teams should be comprised of people who have the right expertise to add value to the project as well as those who share the complementary skills needed to create a diverse team of experts.

Successful teams will also be made up of people who are dedicated to consistent objectives. All winning teams share similar & coordinated goals and often execute common methods or approaches to achieve those goals.

Additionally, successful teams have a unique accountability mechanism in that they hold one another accountable for each contributing to their role and the team to reach the ultimate goal.

Other Key Elements of Successful Teams

• Shared goals and goal clarity
• Role clarity
• Individual commitment to role, team & achieving the goal
• Strong Leadership
• Mutual Respect
• Effective Communication
• Autonomy
• Diversity (capabilities, knowledge, skills, experience etc.)
• Adequate Resources

To list all the proven and hypothesized keys to successful teams would be exhausting. Every successful teams finds something that helps crystalize all other winning elements and brings together a special group. It's not debatable however that winning teams have the above characteristics and it's important to know these as you consider selecting your team.

Keep These Things in Mind During Project Team Selection

• Select teammates with the proper skills and knowledge
• Be sure to adequately engage management and/or have management part of the team
• Be sure that you have the appropriate support and guidance for your project from leadership
• Successful teams use reliable methods and select people who can offer, execute, or introduce reliable methods
• Manage with data, information, and statistical evidence
• FOLLOW THE PRESCRIBED DMAIC METHODOLOGY

Principles of Project Team Selection - Choose Based On:

• The skills required for each member to contribute to their role
• Experience (Subject Matter Expertise)
• Availability and willingness to participate
• Team size (shoot for 4-8 members NO MORE!)
• Members' ability to navigate the process, the company, and the political landscape
• Be sure to consider inputs from others (heed the advice and seek guidance)