Six Sigma Implementation Guide

2.1 What Role Does Organizational Leadership Play in Six Sigma?

One of the most critical aspects of Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma adoption is the role of the organization‘s leadership. Without the full support of the leaders in the organization, change initiatives are doomed to failure. Leadership at all levels need to embrace the change, talk about the change in a positive manner, encourage change and accept the change by demonstrating the principles and speaking the language of Six Sigma.

Some organizations create a program for leaders to learn about the principles of Six Sigma in an abbreviated fashion to fully understand what future subject matter experts in Six Sigma (i.e., yellow, green and black belts) will be expected to learn and utilize on a daily basis. By learning the principles and being able to converse in the language, as well as assisting the team in this change process, the likelihood of success will increase.

How do some of the top organizations approach change and move through the leadership adoption of Six Sigma?

• Hands-on workshops on a periodic basis to “touch and feel” projects and show Six Sigma in action.

<li class="calibre12">Visit other organizations and “best in class” enterprises that have sound Six Sigma programs to compare and learn.</li>

<li class="calibre12">Encourage field visits (post implementation) to watch individual contributors using Six Sigma in the field, demonstrating the “hands on” success stories of the organization.</li>

<li class="calibre12">Establish “change agents” who are fully trained in the Six Sigma principles that will coach and mentor the executives who will in turn provide coaching and mentoring to others in the organization.</li>