Lean Six Sigma is a set of techniques and tools aimed at reducing waste in processes using approaches from lean management and statistical tools.
Lean Six Sigma combines the "soft" approach of lean management, focused on motivating employees, with the "hard," data-oriented approach of Six Sigma. Both approaches share a common goal: to fulfill customer expectations for a product to the maximum extent with the most efficient use of resources. By combining both approaches, the techniques synergize, making interventions into processes highly effective and beneficial for the company. Furthermore, after implementing Lean Six Sigma tools, a significant shift occurs in the company's culture, moving away from directive management to motivational leadership by example, where employee creativity is maximized.
Lean Six Sigma is a set of managerial and statistical approaches that can be applied to problem-solving. It can be seen as a toolbox for specific types of problems. Depending on the circumstances, one or multiple tools can be used to improve the current situation in a specific area of the company's operations. There is no exact procedure for implementing these tools, but a crucial condition for their successful implementation is moving away from the traditional way of managing the company: where superiors give orders, and subordinates execute them. In such an environment, creativity is limited due to the lack of opportunities and competence.
Thus, a suitable starting program is the 5S method. Within 5S, employees take responsibility and authority for organizing their entrusted space to maximize its utilization for the company's benefit. Through this model, both employees and management experience the extent to which they are willing to take on new roles.
Management adopts the role of leaders who guide teams towards better results without dictating the way to achieve the goal. On the other hand, operational employees take on the role of owners for their respective areas, solving existing problems using appropriate tools to achieve improvement. They also take on, just like owners, responsibility not only for suggesting but also for implementing and maintaining the introduced measures.
Lean Six Sigma tools are based on facts and rely on them. Decision-making based on feelings and estimates is gradually eliminated. The Lean Six Sigma approach is analytical, meaning that before implementing measures, it is essential to understand the problem based on gathered data, identify the causes of issues through data analysis, and only then introduce corrective actions focused on eliminating the root causes. Lastly, verification of the effectiveness of measures is a crucial part of the problem-solving cycle.
By adopting a disciplined problem-solving approach, the number of sudden and random decisions that do not consider circumstances or facts decreases. Simultaneously, the number of effective measures increases, chronic problems vanish, and space for continuous voluntary process improvement appears within the company.
Lean Six Sigma is not a simple and bureaucratic path to success but an effort to build a company based on different values than before. The results are surprisingly good economic outcomes, satisfied customers, and employees.
Implementing Lean Six Sigma tools is not complicated, but it requires some experience and understanding of human psychology. If this program interests you, we can offer training and services from experienced instructors.
