What is the recommended composition for a cross-functional team to improve a process within a limited time frame?

The recommended composition for a cross-functional team to improve a process within a limited time frame is designed to balance the diversity of skills and perspectives with the ability to operate efficiently. A team comprising 6-18 people strikes this balance well.

Having at least six members allows for the inclusion of various functional areas, which is essential for addressing different aspects of the process improvement challenge. At the upper limit of 18, there is still manageable complexity, ensuring enough input without excessively complicating communication and decision-making processes.

The proposed duration of 3-5 days is also significant; it emphasizes a focused and intensive effort. This time frame allows the team to dive deeply into the issues at hand, collect necessary data, brainstorm solutions, and begin initial implementation steps, all while maintaining momentum. This approach helps in quickly establishing a direction for improvement and fosters a sense of urgency, which is often crucial in time-sensitive projects.

Other configurations might lead to inefficiencies. For example, a team of 4-10 might be too small to capture the full scope of expertise required, which could limit the effectiveness of the solutions developed. A configuration of 10-15 could lead to more complex dynamics and longer decision-making processes, potentially slowing down progress. Lastly,