Six Sigma

Six Sigma is often a role that you will see leaders within organizations play when it comes to implementing and sustaining methodologies.

Below we give you some ways in which you can find Six Sigma integrated especially into leadership practices:

Communication: Having communication that is effective is vital when it comes to leadership. The importance of Six Sigma to the organization should be communicated by leaders explaining how Six Sigma can benefit the whole company and its customers as well as how it aligns with the business strategy overall. 

Remove Barriers: Identifying and removing obstacles that hinder the Six Sigma progress needs to be done by leaders. This process can include the following:

• Making tough decisions as and when necessary
• Streamlining bureaucratic processes
• Providing additional support

Supporting the Project Teams: Support and guidance should be provided to Six Sigma project teams to allow them to overcome roadblocks and challenges. They can also use their influence to ensure that project recommendations are implemented. 

Setting Clear Objectives: Specific and clear objectives for Six Sigma initiatives should be set out by leaders. Included in the objectives should be what success looks like such as:

• Process improvement goals
• Desired defect rate
• Cost savings

Having these objectives will guide the efforts of the Six Sigma teams. 

Change Management: Significant changes to workflows and processes will often be significantly involved when it comes to Six Sigma. Change management is something that all leaders will need to be skilled in to ensure that employees are adequately engaged in and prepared for the transformation. 

Resource Allocation: Both human and financial resources should be allocated by leaders to aid in supporting Six Sigma projects. This will include providing coaching and training for team members and also allocating a budget for improvement efforts and data analysis tools. 

Monitoring and Measuring Progress: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) should be established by leaders to help track the progress of Six Sigma projects. 

Their metrics should be discussed and reviewed to ensure that initiatives stay on track. 

Support and Commitment: Strong commitment to the goals and principles of Six Sigma should be demonstrated by effective leaders. You will often see this commitment from leaders in their willingness to provide training, allocate resources and actively participate in Six Sigma projects. 

Sustaining Efforts: Six Sigma is not something that is a one-time project, it is an ongoing effort. Leaders have a crucial role in ensuring that Six Sigma culture is continually offering development and training, promoting principles and ensuring that Six Sigma stays a 
a necessary part of the DNA of the organization.

Leading by Example: One of the effective ways to promote Six Sigma within an organization is for leaders to lead by example. This means that Six Sigma philosophy should be embraced by the leaders themselves and they should participate actively in Six Sigma projects and be seeking opportunities to improve continuously. 

Rewards and Recognition: A culture of rewards and recognition can be established by leaders for Six Sigma initiatives who are successful. This can help to motivate employees who choose to actively contribute and participate in the improvement efforts of the organization. 

Six Sigma is not just methodologies and a set of tools, it is a culture and philosophy of improvements that are continuous.

Significant improvements in performance, efficiency and quality can be driven within organizations by leaders who effectively champion and embrace Six Sigma principles.