Category: Leading with Six Sigma

  • Taking the Six Sigma Plunge

    Taking the Six Sigma Plunge

    Recently some prospective clients asked me for a demonstration project to help them determine if Six Sigma would be a good idea at their company. I advised them against it. Such a demonstration only shows management’s lack of commitment to the success of Six Sigma. Although philosophical issues are important, there are more concrete problems […]

  • The Leadership Process

    The Leadership Process

    Leading an entire organization is a daunting challenge. One must keep everyone happy. A delicate balancing act, to say the least. We Six Sigma practitioners are often quick to criticize leaders for not properly supporting our efforts. But what if you were asked by a committed leader for advice on how to actually use Six […]

  • The Crucial Intersection: INTJ Personality and Six Sigma Black Belts

    If you’ve ever come across the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), you’ve probably stumbled on the INTJ (Introversion, iNtuition, Thinking, Judgment) personality type. This distinct personality type encompasses independence of thought, individualism, creativity, and an inherent desire for efficiency. And, interestingly enough, it’s a personality type that aligns perfectly with the characteristics we commonly see in […]

  • How to Involve Suppliers in Your Lean Six Sigma Initiatives

    How to Involve Suppliers in Your Lean Six Sigma Initiatives

    If your business has made a commitment to process improvement, you may be wondering when and how to get your suppliers on board with your lean six sigma initiatives. After all, you are only as good as your suppliers, right? Certainly some percentage of product defects can be traced to supplier components, so your company’s […]

  • Advantage Aviation Technologies (AAT) Integrates Lean Six Sigma Management Process Improvement Protocols With Great Success

    Advantage Aviation Technologies (AAT) Integrates Lean Six Sigma Management Process Improvement Protocols With Great Success

    Advantage Aviation Technologies out of Dallas, Texas has recently announced the implementation and execution of lean six sigma management process improvement protocols. Advantage Aviation Technologies is the industry leader in manufacturing technologies and processes that improve the performance of aviation and aerospace components in the commercial, general, and business markets.  The company operates a full-service repair and […]

  • Ellis Medicine Launches Lean Six Sigma Program

    Ellis Medicine Launches Lean Six Sigma Program

    In the ever-changing world of healthcare, hospitals and clinics must be willing to analyze and adapt their practices in order to provide the highest quality of care in an affordable and efficient manner.  Ellis Medicine, a healthcare system in Albany, New York, understands the importance of adapting and improving.  Under the leadership of new interim CEO […]

  • Sustainable Best Practice Means Taking the Long View of Lean: Q&A

    Few companies provide as diverse an array of manufactured products as Jabil. Based in Florida, Jabil is the third-largest contract manufacturer worldwide with over 90 locations in 23 counties. In each of its locations, Jabil maintains a commitment to employee development and best practice implementation based on Lean Six Sigma principles. Walter Garvin, Jabil’s vice […]

  • Seeing Excellence in Full Color With Crayola’s Quality Team: Lean Six Sigma Makes a Difference!

    If you’ve ever used a crayon, you know Crayola crayons just can’t be beat. They aren’t too waxy. The tips are solid. The colors are vibrant and the color choices are endless. Crayola dominates the market, selling nearly 3 billion crayons every year! And crayons are just the beginning! Crayola manufactures countless arts and crafts products that […]

  • Yes, Process Improvement Is Vital to Business Success

    Recently, the Marietta Daily Journal posted an opinion piece from Six Sigma black belt, Bill Bailey, in which he discussed how process improvement is vital to business success. Here are a few take-away points from that discussion.

  • Improve the Value of Your Brand Through Six Sigma Training

    In 2011, according to GuruFocus, the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group started a Rapid Continuous Improvement (RCI) initiative which uses Lean and Six Sigma in order to improve productivity and increase customer value. The initiative has paid off big for the company in the years since, providing $200 million in annualized cash productivity savings. The company, […]