What is Lean Six Sigma?
Here at LaChapelle Consulting, we specialize in offering Lean Six Sigma training to individuals and teams looking to increase their efficiency, lower costs, and improve their team’s productivity and processes. This popular and effective project management methodology is used by organizations around the world to reach better results in their work. In this blog post, we’d love to provide a clear and simple overview of Lean Six Sigma, breaking down the benefits and the belt levels so that anyone just jumping in can join in on the fun! :-)
What is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma is a project management methodology combining Lean and Six Sigma techniques with the goal to improve performance by eliminating waste and enhancing efficiency/effectiveness across various industries.
In the simplest terms: Imagine that you’ve made your own lemonade stand. Remember when we all did that when we were little!? I’m sure you wanted to make sure you served the best possible lemonade, and that you could replicate the recipe over and over again as quickly and affordably as possible. Lean Six Sigma would be able to provide a super-efficient way to do that!
Lean helps you get rid of things that slow you down or waste time, like a cluttered workspace… or waiting too long to get lemons.
Six Sigma helps you make sure every cup of lemonade tastes just right, by finding and fixing any mistakes in your recipe or process. Yum!
Together, Lean Six Sigma helps you make great lemonade quickly and without wasting money, so your customers are happy and keep coming back.
While Lean and Six Sigma are combined in our work here at LaChapelle Consulting, there are distinct differences between each technique’s focus. Let’s cover the differences first, before we dive in more to how it can help you and your team!
The Differences Between Lean & Six Sigma
Lean methodology has a people-first philosophy, focused on removing wasteful activities in processes. It uses tools such as 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
Six Sigma is focused on reducing process defects. It follows the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology.
When combined together, Lean Six Sigma leverages the best problem-solving methods to help organizations achieve their missions and satisfy customers. This powerful duo will provide a comprehensive approach to process improvement, growing your efficiency and quality.
The Belt Levels
Lean Six Sigma utilizes belt levels that determine an individual’s personal mastery of the techniques involved - and these help determine which training you need to attend next. Think of it like karate, where a student may have a white or black belt.
White Belt: White Belts have an introductory level knowledge of Lean Six Sigma and can work in problem-solving teams.
Yellow Belt: Yellow Belts understand basic Lean Six Sigma concepts, and often participate on project teams.
Green Belt: Green Belts start and manage Lean Six Sigma projects. They possess Lean Six Sigma expertise, though in less detail than Black Belts, and provide just-in-time training to others.
Black Belt: Black Belts have advanced Lean Six Sigma expertise and often function as coaches, mentors, teachers, and project leaders for project teams.
Master Black Belt: Master Black Belts work with leaders to identify gaps and select projects. They coach, mentor, teach, monitor, and lead.
Frequently Asked Question: “Do I need a belt to use Lean tools and concepts?”
The answer: Nope! You can look up all of this on Google, like anything else, and begin to apply the concepts yourself, but these classes give you a structured learning path and certification to add to your resume! Plus the extra awesome bonus of getting to hangout with me and learn from my real world applied experiences! :-)
The Benefits of Lean Six Sigma
Utilizing Lean Six Sigma in your own work and your organization can have a wide variety of benefits!
Cost Reduction: You can significantly reduce your costs when processes are more efficient and have fewer defects.
Improved Quality: You will enhance the overall quality of your output.
Increased Efficiency: You will increase your efficiency and make better use of the resources at your disposal by streamlining processes and eliminating waste.
Greater Sustainability: Your organization will be able to better adapt to changes while reaping long-term growth and success through continuous improvement efforts.
Engaged Employees: Your team will feel empowered, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging employees to help contribute to process improvements.
Competitive Edge: Those who decide to take part in Lean Six Sigma training and master the methodology will be able to offer a competitive edge when compared to others in their field.
Data-Informed Decision Making: When you utilize the statistical tools and data analysis provided in Lean Six Sigma, you’ll be able to be more intentional with your decisions, ultimately providing better outcomes.
Happy Customers: Your clients, customers, and/or stakeholders will become more satisfied and therefore more loyal to your organization over time when you pair higher quality products with timely delivery.
The Summary
Lean Six Sigma is a powerful tool that will provide a positive impact on your individual work and your team’s work, improving efficiency and quality for organization. By combining the waste elimination techniques of Lean and the reduction of defects focus from Six Sigma, your organization can achieve incredible results, improving your regular processes.
Regardless of your knowledge level, whether you’re a project management beginner or looking to grow your skills, adding Lean Six Sigma to your toolbelt can lead to significant benefits and give you the extra boost of confidence you need to tackle your workplace productively! See my lineup of upcoming Lean Six Sigma trainings and register to start your White Belt journey today.