Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Improved alignment of organizational goals and strategies across all levels.
• Enhanced ability to execute strategic objectives effectively.
• Increased organizational agility and responsiveness to change.
• Cultivation of a culture focused on continuous improvement and strategic focus.

Exam for Hoshin Kanri Practitioner is a one hour exam with multiple choice questions. The passing score is 60% and if you score above 70%, your certificate will carry the Benchmark Seal of Excellence. You will get a participation certificate if your score is below 60%.

The program provides a variety of tools and templates to facilitate Hoshin Kanri implementation. Key resources include the Hoshin Kanri X-Matrix for strategic alignment, Catchball guidelines for cross-functional collaboration, and prioritization matrices for focusing on high-impact initiatives. These tools are designed to ensure participants can seamlessly apply the methodology in their organizations.

• Yes. If you have leadership support and the platform to influence leaders within your organization – this course is designed for you.
• ​This course will give you the practical tools and approaches to facilitate your team through each of the phases of Hoshin Kanri – planning, deployment, execution, and review. It will go beyond the theory and show you how to truly drive focus and alignment within your team.
• ​Moreover, you will get access to pre-designed templates, tools and checklists so you do not have to re-invent the wheel. While each implementation is unique in its own way, you will have a ‘head start’ and know what to do if you encounter challenges in implementation.

Hoshin Kanri goes beyond traditional goal-setting by focusing on strategic alignment across all levels of the organization. While traditional approaches often emphasize individual or departmental objectives, Hoshin Kanri ensures that every goal contributes to the organization’s long-term vision. It incorporates tools like the X-Matrix to create clear linkages between high-level strategies and day-to-day operations and employs iterative feedback through the Catchball process to foster collaboration and adaptability.

• Yes – this course is especially for you!
• ​A Hoshin implementation will never succeed without executive buy-in and support. It is imperative you accelerate through the change curve of unaware, aware, understanding, believe, and act. There is no single ‘lean practitioner’ or ‘hoshin expert’ who can replace what you bring to the organization when it comes to how the business should be run. Your knowledge and understanding is crucial to success and this cannot be delegated.
• The ideal formula would be for you to attend with your ‘chief facilitator / change agent’ or most senior ‘lean leader / professional’ who can make Hoshin Kanri a reality within your team.

• The ultimate goal for each company is to build a sustainable competitive advantage. In most cases, ‘how you will get there is clearly articulated through a company vision. But in reality – what most teams lack is an effective process to drive progress and action at every level to get them there.
• ​Every organization faces the same challenge of not having infinite time, energy, and resources to do everything. It is critical they focus on the vital few versus trivial many programs and initiatives to achieve their long-term business goals and objectives.
• ​Hoshin Kanri is more powerful than other approaches to strategy execution because it provides a clear, visible cascade of long-term goals linked to short-term targets. More importantly, it makes the necessary distinction of work that drives ‘breakthrough’ (gets you closer to your vision) versus ‘business fundamentals’ (supports your mission)

​As most ‘process professionals’ grow in their careers, it becomes more important to ensure improvements are targeted to the ‘heart of the organization’ This is where Hoshin Kanri comes into play and serves as the next step in your career development.