Outlining Six Sigma Skills
The Six Sigma theory refers to a set of strategies devised to improve the quality of an organization’s operations. The firm’s processes are studied, so as to discern whether corrective action can be taken to make them better. This can be in the form of shorter manufacturing times, more efficient operations, and less defects in finished products. In order to make best use of this theory, a manager or process owner needs to have a number of Six Sigma skills that are gained through training and certification.
The Six Sigma techniques can prove to be extremely beneficial to any type of business. If used properly, several advantages can be gained, including cost reduction, less waste in raw materials, and in time, increasing sales and profits. Good quality products will also lead to improved customer satisfaction, and ultimately an improvement in the firm’s reputation.
A process owner is the person who will be responsible for the particular operation. S/he will be responsible to monitor the process after having carefully planned it out. Such planning will be composed of steps and methods which should have been formulated by analyzing statistical data that should help in establishing the best strategy to implement. This person is usually a business owner or CEO. Everyone involved in the company from the process owner(s) all the way down to the lowest level employee should be familiar with the Six Sigma methodology and should be at least familiar with some of the skills. Each person is responsible for knowledge at a certain level and will be broken into teams. From lowest level of knowledge to highest level of knowledge, the Six Sigma Certification levels are as follows; White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt.
One of the most important Six Sigma skills is to be conversant with data collection methods and statistics. There are various techniques as well as specialized programs that are used for this reason. It is both crucial and beneficial to know how to analyze the data, and use it effectively, since it is the basis of the entire quality improvement operation. Suitable error correction procedures need to be considered when results are not deemed to be satisfactory.
Another key skill is to know how to work in a team whether you are a leader or a new trainee. A process will be composed of a series of steps which will be carried out by different employees. Hence, one needs to be a good communicator, leader, or follower. The ability to be able to explain what needs to be done makes a good leader and the ability to do what is asked makes a good follower. It is also important for everyone to stay motivated and to keep an eye out for any slack that might be present.
It is also important to value each person’s feedback as a company; this can greatly contribute to a happy workforce, and lead to better results. If employees feel valued, they are more likely to contribute. This will lead to a more motivated team and ultimately, the achievement of the common goals.
In addition, a Six Sigma Professional needs to be a strategist. This means that s/he should be able to establish the best time when a strategy needs to be put into practice. It is imperative that all workers are prepared what they need to do as individuals and as team members. Once these roles are clarified, the methods to reach the goals need to be explained.
Another key point to consider is that a process owner who is responsible for the implementation of a given process and who is utilizing the Six Sigma methodology, is also sort of a spokesperson for the customers of the business. This is due to the fact that if these techniques are used properly, the customers will benefit too. Therefore, clients’ feedback should be taken into account every step of the way along this process.
Six Sigma skills are very adaptable and useful, and a person who makes use of this theory needs to be well equipped with such skillfulness. After all, thanks to these attributes, all stakeholders will benefit.