Here are some standard procedures that businesses need to follow in order to maintain the continuity of Six Sigma implementations.
Formulate Effective Plans and Strategies
Businesses that want to ensure continuity of Six Sigma implementations should first concentrate on formulating effective plans and strategies that not only look good on paper, but also do the job as desired. Plans and strategies are necessary because implementations have to be carried out in a way that does not affect the day-to-day functioning of the business.
Lack of proper planning can easily disrupt the normal work processes, something that will have a negative impact on both the productivity of the business and the ongoing Six Sigma implementations.
With proper planning, businesses can easily identify potential problems well in advance and make efforts to avoid or eliminate them.
Providing Logistical Solutions
Just like any other business project, Six Sigma implementations also require a regular supply of essential resources such as men and material. Small implementation projects can be managed easily, but if the project is a large one, then the management will have to provide additional logistical support to the implementation team members. If this is not done, team members will not be able to complete their scheduled implementation tasks.
Lack of resources will not only hinder the implementations, but will also have a negative affect on the motivation levels of implementation team members. All this together will eventually start affecting the continuity of the implementation project, something that needs to be avoided at all costs.
Making Available the Right Communications Channels
Six Sigma implementations also require the free flow of information between the various stakeholders such as employees, Six Sigma team members, Green Belts, Black Belts, Master Black Belts, Project Sponsors, middle and top management and functional departmental heads. This is why businesses need to put into place an effective communications system, designed especially for the above stated purpose.
If this is not done, the stakeholders will not be able to share critical information with each other, something that will most likely result in delays. Setting up an effective communication system should thus be a priority for businesses that are in the process of implementing Six Sigma.
Six Sigma implementations can certainly work wonders for any organization, but the minimum requirement is to complete the implementation within the specified time and costs. It is necessary that businesses, especially those that want to realize the full potential of Six Sigma, undertake initiatives to avoid delays and consequently ensure the continuity of Six Sigma implementation projects.
Having read the benefits of time-tested quality improvement techniques such as Six Sigma, many managers often feel the need to implement the same in their respective domains. However, since permission from top management is required for such implementations and most managers often do not know how to present their case to top management in the right manner, they often fail to bring about the desired revolutionary changes, possible only through Six Sigma concepts and methodologies.
However, since this is easier said than done, it is recommended that managers follow the prescribed guidelines, described in the following paragraphs.
Identify and Evaluate the Target Audience
Managers should first try to identify the panel members who are most likely to preside over the deliberations. After this, they need to evaluate each individual member in order to get a feel of all the problems that they might have to face during the negotiations. Based on this, they can plan the right course of action.
For example, if a manager finds out that most of the panel members follow a conservative business approach and do not take too well to new business proposals, he will automatically know that the going will be tough and that he will have to put in extra effort to make the right impression on the panel members.
Sell the Idea in Dollar Terms
Six Sigma implementations no doubt help in reducing costs and improving quality, but since these benefits often do not sound all that tempting, managers should use a time-tested marketing concept that stresses communicating an idea in terms of its monetary benefits. So, what managers should really be doing is concentrate on communicating the monetary benefits that will eventually come in the form of increased sales when quality is improved and costs are reduced using Six Sigma.
Following this strategy will certainly help, because even the most conservative leaders will not find merit in rejecting an idea that holds great potential to earn top dollar. Managers will thus be able to get the desired green light for the initiation of Six Sigma implementation.
Market It as a Low-Risk Proposition
If managers were to state the real risks associated with Six Sigma implementations, they would hardly ever get the desired go-ahead. This is why, when presenting their case, managers should try to limit risk-related conversations. However, since hiding facts may prove disastrous, it managers should take the righteous path and communicate to their peers that Six Sigma implementations will be launched though a pilot project, having only limited risks. It should also be communicated that full-fledged implementations will start only if the pilot project proves successful. Most top management members will agree to this and give the green light.
If managers sincerely follow these strategies, they can easily get the approval of top management. By doing so, managers will also be able to get the support and guidance of their peers, a prerequisite for ensuring the success of Six Sigma implementations.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for six sigma pro. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.