There is much more to Six Sigma than all of the fancy statistics and terms you learned during your training. The success of a Six Sigma project can be predicted by observing a few key elements.

• The Benefit – What’s your goal bringing to the table? If your Six Sigma project isn’t benefiting the shareholders or your customers than you are simply burning up your company’s resources.

• Show Me the Money – “What type of return can we get out of this investment?” Sound familiar? It’s the golden rule of business… you better be ready to have a good answer!

• How Long Will it Take? – Recovering $200,000 in profits is wonderful, but not if it will take you 50 years. Results should be realized preferably in less than 3 month, and definitely not more than 12 months.

• Company Support – Do you have the people, time, funding, and other necessary resources to carry out the project? It can be almost impossible without the necessary assistance from management.

• Completed Project Charter – Behind every strong Six Sigma initiative is a strong project charter. The “project charter” is a great way to list everything from the team member to the goals of the project. It is a solid necessity when attempting to properly define the needs of your company.

By keeping your eye on all of these key factors you will be getting the most out of each and every Six Sigma goal you make. Ignore a single one of them and you can easily be on a bumpy road to failure.