Lean Six Sigma For Leaders

Starting the Lean Six Sigma Engine

Before we hit the road with Lean Six Sigma we need to start the engine. To do this, three vital components are required – a spark, fuel and air.

The spark in an engine delivers electric current from an ignition system to the combustion chamber to ignite the compressed fuel and air. The power of the explosion pumps the pistons and keeps the engine going. The fuel powers the engine and the air provides the component required to ignite it.

You could compare these components to the requirements necessary to make a Lean Six Sigma programme work! The spark is provided by leaders in the organisation. Their stimulus ignites the system by bringing the other essential components together. This releases the energy and, ultimately, the ‘engine’ of Lean Six Sigma is powered and the wheels begin to turn.

The fuel represents the methodology and also the knowledge to apply it. This could come from inside the organisation, from external expertise and input, or from both – external experts used to build the knowledge and capability within the organisation that's required to make it work.

The air represents the people in the organisation, without whose input nothing will work.

If the leadership spark for Lean Six Sigma isn't strong enough, it won't bring the system to life. If, on the other hand, there is too much heat, the ‘bang’ will be too big and the system could burn out. The spark from leaders needs to be consistent and timely, and it needs to be sustained. ...