This can be observed in companies like GE, Motorola and others who have achieved a high level of profitability as well as huge savings with their Six Sigma training initiatives.

However, there are companies whose attempts have failed as a result of a flawed approach to their Six Sigma programs.

What Are The Reasons For Undertaking A Six Sigma Training Program?

Customer Requirements

Generally a Six Sigma training initiative is the result of the demands of the customers. For example, in a software organization, if a client demand that the quality model followed should be CMM level, then that has to be implemented.

Similarly, if the clients of any other organization are following the Six Sigma methodology and are consequently reaping benefits, they may spur other organizations to follow a similar methodology.  

Parity with Competition

Implementing the Six Sigma philosophy provides a competitive edge for organizations to stay ahead of the competition in the market.

Improving Performance

Some organizations undertake such a project to bring about improvements in performance.

Their aim is to gain bottom line profits and such an approach proves beneficial. The VOC is a major gift of the Six Sigma methodology, which enables the organization to listen to the external customer with due care and provide services and products accordingly.

Support of Leadership is Highly Necessary

For any Six Sigma training initiative to succeed it is necessary that the organization’s leadership provides the maximum support to the Six Sigma team.

Mere verbal acceptance is not enough, and leadership should be active in supporting the team in matters like removal of barriers to Six Sigma, change resistance and other similar areas that need immediate assistance. They should put in place a good reward and recognition policy and provide good incentives to the employees to work towards the success of the initiative.

They would do well to undergo training such that they utilize the energy and zeal of team members towards the success of the organizational improvement initiative. The organization's leadership also needs to be committed towards such an initiative undertaken by them, and work hard towards achievement of the expected improvement that would improve performance, as well as the overall profitability of the organization.

They have to ensure that improvement initiatives are aligned to the organizational objectives and result in achieving expected improvements in revenues and profits as well as customer satisfaction.  

When Does A Six Sigma Training Initiative Fail?

The failure of a Six Sigma training initiative is dependent upon what the aim of the leadership has been towards undertaking such program. If it is just showcasing it to the customer or for the sake of competition, then a small initiative can be enough to make a good start for the organization.

However, if the initiative is a half-hearted attempt and the employees are trained and certified with little to actually implement it, then such an initiative will be wasted. The employees may also leave the organization for better prospects.

This can be a real failure for the Six Sigma program and just remain as a lip service for the organizational leadership of having attempted change. This can be called the real failure of the Six Sigma training initiative.

It is thus left to the leadership to decide whether the Six Sigma program has been a success or a failure.