The Lean Prioritization Matrix is a useful tool for teams to prioritize projects and initiatives.
It helps teams focus on the most valuable work that will have the biggest impact.
What is the Lean Prioritization Matrix?
The Lean Prioritization Matrix with a lean methodology is a simple 2×2 matrix that evaluates potential projects or initiatives based on two criteria:
- Value – The potential value to customers and the business. Higher value work should be prioritized.
- Effort – The amount of effort and resources required. Work that requires less effort should be prioritized.
How to Use the Lean Prioritization Matrix
The 2X2 Lean Prioritization Matrix is used in team meetings to visually map and prioritize potential projects.
Here’s how it works:
- Brainstorm potential projects and initiatives.
- Plot each project on the 2×2 matrix based on value and effort.
- Focus first on the high-value, low-effort items (top left quadrant).
- Avoid low-value, high-effort items (bottom right quadrant).
- Discuss projects in the middle quadrants and agree on priority.
The Lean Prioritization Matrix keeps teams focused on delivering maximum value with minimal waste. It provides a simple, visual way to align on priorities.
Benefits of the Lean Prioritization Matrix
- Improves focus – Helps teams ignore distractions, improve time management skills, and focus on high-impact work.
- Promotes alignment – Allows teams to agree on priorities quickly.
- Maximizes value – Prioritizes projects that offer the most value.
- Minimizes waste – Avoids unnecessary work that consumes resources.
- Simple and fast – It only takes a few minutes to map out projects and agree on the next steps.
Examples of the Lean Prioritization Matrix
Here are ten examples of how corporate teams can use the Lean Prioritization Matrix:
- Prioritizing a product roadmap.
- Choosing features to build next.
- Selecting IT systems projects.
- Determining process improvements.
- Planning a marketing campaign.
- Launching new initiatives.
- Evaluating R&D projects.
- Managing a portfolio of clients.
- Developing content and collateral.
- Optimizing sales opportunities.
Summary
The Lean Prioritization Matrix is a versatile tool that helps teams quickly align on priorities.
By mapping value and effort, teams can focus on high-impact projects that offer maximum benefit.
The simple 2×2 matrix format makes visualizing priorities and gaining alignment easy.
When used consistently, the Lean Prioritization Matrix and Skill-Will Matrix keep teams focused on delivering value rather than just being busy.
With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.
