Select the Right People

It is important to select motivated people to undertake Six Sigma projects. They will come together in situations where there is a need to sort out problems tactically and re-group to tackle different problems in other situations.

You must select people with leadership qualities and the skills to motivate and take along people in the organization in the endeavor to achieve quality levels in processes. With proper training as Six Sigma Black Belts and other levels, they can prove to be an asset in undertaking projects even while undergoing training.

Six Sigma - From the Beginning

It is often found in the IT sector that the staff will first use things they know about (i.e. technology) and resist something like Six Sigma certification, which they may not know.

Only after some trials with technology, and if unsatisfactory output is achieved in the process, do they decide on Six Sigma certification. Instead of starting a Six Sigma initiative that brings out the use of certain technology, it helps in the proper utilization of the technology at the proper spot.

Target Tangible Results

Six Sigma certification is popular for the good results it helps in achieving reduced defects and costs, increased financial output and so on.

It means that the goals should be such that they help achieve substantial improvement. If the process owner is properly involved in the process, they can work towards achieving them better.

Tailor Six Sigma to Your Organization 

Six Sigma tools are not fixed methodologies to be used in any particular order; you can modify them to suit your requirements.

If an organization feels the need to add another step to the DMAIC methodology, they can very well add that if it means better output. The proper utilization of Six Sigma and the full-time services of Black Belts on a specific project can give good results.

Its Not Just Statistics

Six Sigma requires the collection of data in various phases. This data is utilized to understand the process and the drawbacks, if any. Proper utilization of the data and putting good metrics in place leads to the controlled growth of the systems.

However, too much control or measurement with incorrect interpretation or understanding about it can make the process very cumbersome, and may take it on the wrong track. If the processes are well-understood and proper metrics put in place, even the minimal amount of metrics can lead organizations toward growth.

Minimizing Variations

Variations in various processes have to be minimized. Variations lead to defect in the process - this in turn means customer dissatisfaction.

With the reduction in variations and defects, there is less need for rework and wastage of time and effort along with other resources, which in turn will reduce costs.

Though there are bound to be some variations, minimizing them is both necessary and beneficial.

Celebrating Success

Starting from the smallest achievement, there should be a policy for reward and recognition, which creates a sense of trust among employees.

Best practices help bring about success to organizations’ Six Sigma initiatives and overall improvement.