Myths about Six Sigma

The most commonly faced myths about Six Sigma include

 

1. Six Sigma is a fad

 

This view point is generally expressed by the top leaders in an organization or project. This roadblock arises at the very beginning of the project when preliminary things about lean and Six Sigma is adopted. In such situations, it is the project leader’s responsibility to showcase the benefits of lean Six Sigma and its effective role towards quality management and convince them to implement lean Six Sigma.

 

2. Lean Six Sigma is too statistical

 

This view point is expressed by both leaders and employees. After learning basics on Six Sigma approach, it comes out as a statistical approach that seems difficult for few in the organization to understand and implement. In such situation, the Six Sigma Black Belt certified needs to overcome the resistance topic by explaining one or two statistical tools to the top leaders as well as the employees.

 

3. Why should I change?

 

This is one of the most challenging roadblocks that one might face while implementing Six Sigma in organizations. Six Sigma brings various changes in the work culture and people working within a particular work culture hesitate to adopt that change. The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified professional needs to explain the changes that the business has witnessed over the years and cite examples of some successful changes. One needs to convince the leaders and employers that the change would enhance the competitiveness of the organization and is financially rewarded.

 

4. Non-cooperation from employees

 

In order to overcome this organizational roadblock, one can adopt various strategies such as building trust in employees and assuring them that they would not be penalized for past mistakes, encouraging the Move Ahead philosophy and ensuring employees that they are involved in designing and setting up the new processes. The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified needs to communicate and convince employees not to resist change. It is important to take them along in the process rather than forcing them into it.

 

5. Wrong Team Members

 

Selection of team members needs great observation and understanding. One can form a capable and effective team by choosing the members based on four essential factors – Capability, Creativity, Willingness and Ability.