Mention Lean or Six Sigma and many will conjure up images of assembly lines, machines and automation. Although companies like Toyota, GE, and Motorola influenced the popularity of these continuous improvement methodologies, manufacturing companies are not the only businesses reaping the benefits of their application. Lean and Six Sigma have been successfully implemented in industries such as Healthcare, Government, Non-Profit, Education, Insurance and Banking. In fact, the methodology and tools of Lean and Six Sigma are transferrable to any organization that wants to improve quality, safety, productivity and costs while enhancing employee engagement and performance.
At the heart of these continuous improvement methodologies is respect – for customers and employees. When companies respect their customers, they strive to understand what is important to their customers as well as their basic requirements. Providing the customer what they value increases satisfaction and loyalty. Improving processes through Lean and Six Sigma also demonstrates respect for employees. Lean identifies not utilizing talent or human capital as one of the 8 forms of waste. Participation in improvement work allows employees to contribute their knowledge and skills to problem solving; design improved process that better utilize employees’ talents; and develop leadership skills that enhance their overall performance. Like customers, employees who feel respected and valued are more satisfied and less likely to leave.
Combine respect with Lean Six Sigma methodology and you will get results. Lean Six Sigma provides a proven, systematic, data-driven methodology and tools for problem solving and continuous improvement. Enterprise deployment of Lean Six Sigma transforms companies by providing a common language and framework for strategic, integrated improvement and breakthrough results. With Lean Six Sigma businesses from any industry can expect to achieve higher productivity, superior quality, enhanced efficiency, and improved safety. Furthermore, organizations can anticipate indirect benefits in the area of human capital management. Lean Six Sigma inherently enhances accountability and ownership by building the capacity of employees to become expert problem solvers and engaging them in developing solutions. As a result of implementing Lean Six Sigma, companies can expect increased collaboration and teamwork, enhanced employee satisfaction and performance, and decreased absenteeism and turnover.
Lean Six Sigma has its roots in manufacturing, but over time has gained popularity among other industries. Large or small, product producing or transactional, public or private, for profit or non-profit – want to improve business outcomes and transform your organization? Lean Six Sigma is the solution for you (and it still works for manufacturing too!).
Debbie Curl-Nagy is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Managing Partner of Marcus Management Consultants, LLC. She also serves as the Kentucky Regional Director for Breakthrough Performance Group, LLC, a Lean Six Sigma certification training and consultation provider. Debbie has experience providing Lean Six Sigma training and consultation across many industries, including healthcare, non-profit, government and transactional services.