Mastering the Control Impact Matrix: A Lean Six Sigma Guide

In any process improvement project, especially within Lean or Six Sigma frameworks, we often generate a long list of potential solutions. The challenge? Choosing which ones to pursue. That’s where the Control Impact Matrix becomes an indispensable decision-making tool.

What is a Control Impact Matrix?

The Control Impact Matrix is a visual tool used to prioritize improvement ideas based on two factors:

• Impact – How much benefit or value a solution will bring.

• Control – The level of control your team has to implement the solution.

Each potential solution is plotted on a 2x2 matrix, helping teams focus on the most actionable and valuable changes.

Why Use It?

It helps teams:

• Avoid analysis paralysis with too many ideas.

• Focus on feasible, high-impact changes.

• Align stakeholders by showing the rationale for selecting certain solutions.

  
  

The Four Quadrants:

Quadrant	Description	Action
High Impact / High Control	Quick wins – these are your top priorities.	Implement immediately
High Impact / Low Control	Worth exploring – but may require escalation or support.	Escalate or partner
Low Impact / High Control	Easy to do – but may not yield much benefit.	Consider if low effort
Low Impact / Low Control	Not worth pursuing.	Drop or deprioritize

How to Use It in Your Project

1. List Improvement Ideas – Gather potential solutions after a brainstorming or RCA session.

2. Evaluate Impact – Estimate the effect on process metrics (e.g., cycle time, error rate).

3. Assess Control – Determine if your team can implement the change without external dependencies.

4. Plot on the Matrix – Visually map each idea to the appropriate quadrant.

5. Prioritize Actions – Choose where to start based on your available resources and influence.

Example in Action: Healthcare Clinic

A clinic wants to reduce patient wait times. Improvement ideas include:

• Hiring more staff (High Impact / Low Control)

• Redesigning appointment slots (High Impact / High Control)

• Changing insurance policies (Low Impact / Low Control)

• Moving equipment closer to exam rooms (Low Impact / High Control)

By plotting these, the team focuses on redesigning appointment slots and making room layout changes first—delivering results faster without requiring major organizational shifts.

Tips for Success

• Use stakeholder input to rate impact and control.

• Keep it simple—don’t overthink the scoring.

• Revisit the matrix as conditions change.

Final Thoughts

The Control Impact Matrix is both simple and powerful. It sharpens your team’s focus, reduces wasted effort, and builds momentum for meaningful change. Whether you're running a Kaizen event or a DMAIC project, it's a practical addition to your problem-solving toolbox.