Training to Use the Six Sigma Principles

In the workplace, there are numerous practical principles that are aiming to further improve and boost corporate performance. While Japanese manufacturers have devised and developed their own workplace principles, elsewhere in the world, other companies have also developed and adopted their own. United States-based Motorola Incorporated has its Six Sigma principle that is widely adopted and implemented by a number of major global companies worldwide.

Six Sigma is basically about eliminating defects when manufacturing. Since the systematic method was introduced in 1986, Six Sigma has been adjusted so that all companies and organizations, big or small, can definitely practice the principles. If you are managing a business or an organization, it would be helpful if you would train yourself and your staff to use the Six Sigma principles.

Training to use Six Sigma is not really hard. As a practical and simple guideline, here are several simple steps on how firms and groups can easily eliminate defects in their respective operations.

1. Spend ample time to plan the project well ahead of time. Big and even small projects need to be planned well to ensure success. In the planning process, it would be advantageous if a working conceptual plan would be put in place. Set meetings with involved staff and inform all business members about the upcoming project or any business proposal.

2. Set goals. In corporate and manufacturing operations, it is imperative that managers set business goals so that the operations would be very much guided accordingly. In this step, also determine the scope of the project. Set dialogues between managers and workers so that everyone could understand what there is to know and implement. This activity would incite teamwork.

3. Understand any problem. When trying to solve problems about defects, it would be helpful if the challenge would be understood well based on collected facts. Be reminded that managers and employees would not be able to jointly resolve issues and problems if there is not sufficient understanding and comprehension.

4. Use appropriate tools and instruments in developing ideas and solutions. Your company must allot enough capital amount to investing in necessary equipment, tools and gadgets as well as to human resource training and education so that there would be enough working resources to do tasks better. This way, setbacks can be reduced significantly, if not totally eliminated. Defects could also be trimmed and prevented.

5. Set a good relationship with shareholders. Structures of modern companies are usually consisting of course of employees, managers and investors. It would be ethical and appropriate if shareholders would regularly be updated about problems occurring. Likewise, they should also be involved in the process.

6. Execute the project well. As a manager, it is your duty to make sure the implementation of the plans and timetables would run smoothly.

7. Assess the outcome. See if it satisfies and delivers the target. If the goals were met, make sure the effort would be sustained. This way, similar defects or problems would not be encountered again in the future.

Some companies are already implementing and practicing the Six Sigma, though those firms may not be fully aware of it. In the modern business landscape, companies are striving to subject all employees to trainings in using Six Sigma. Obviously, the principles work.