All project managers share the same fundamental goal: optimize workflow and eliminate unnecessary or repetitive tasks so that projects run as efficiently as possible. One question remains: which approach should you choose to achieve this?
LEAN or Six Sigma?
Both LEAN and Six Sigma aim to continuously improve business processes. However, they rely on very different methodologies.
The Six Sigma approach uses a five-step problem-solving method known as DMAIC:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyze
- Improve
- Control
Meanwhile, the LEAN approach focuses on reducing waste and delivering the best possible customer experience. It usesvalue stream mapping to define and analyze processes involved in creating a product or delivering a service.
What happens when you combine the best of both approaches? You get LEAN Six Sigma.
What is LEAN Six Sigma?
By combining LEAN with Six Sigma, organizations gain an approach that not only minimizes errors and waste, but also drives a deep transformation of company culture.
When a company adopts LEAN Six Sigma principles, both leaders and employees develop a mindset focused on growth and continuous improvement through process optimization.
Let’s now look at the five key principles you can apply right away to maximize productivity and profitability.
Principle #1: Focus on the Customer
Putting customers first is a timeless principle worth remembering!
What are your customers’ needs? What are their expectations?
Answering these questions will help you deliver products or services that meet market demands and create maximum value.
Principle #2: Map the Value Stream
Before improving your value stream (also known as a process), you first need to understand all its steps. Which steps create value? Which do not?
This will allow you to eliminate non-value-added activities.
Principle #3: Eliminate Waste to Improve Flow
Start by identifying sources of waste. Then look for ways to improve your processes to reduce variation and enhance flow.
Waste is anything that does not add value to the product or service and does not meet customer expectations.
Here are five steps to help eliminate waste:
Step 1: Make waste visible
Pay attention to different types of waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, underutilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and overprocessing.
Step 2: Become aware of waste
Once waste is recognized (for example, patients waiting an average of 60 minutes past their scheduled appointment time), it becomes possible to take action.
Step 3: Take ownership of waste
Encourage a culture of accountability within your organization so that everyone works toward reducing waste.
Step 4: Measure waste
To eliminate waste, you must first understand its magnitude. Measuring it helps align leaders and teams around a shared goal and provides the evidence needed to justify change.
Step 5: Eliminate or reduce waste
This is where solutions take shape. It’s time to innovate and find creative ways to minimize waste.
Principle #4: Communicate with Your Team
Change can be disruptive!
To gain team buy-in, make sure you:
- Explain the reasons behind the change
- Clarify new standards or procedures
- Provide proper training
- Give feedback to support adjustments when needed
Principle #5: Build a Culture of Change
As you can see, LEAN Six Sigma involves significant change. You must embrace it—and encourage your employees to do the same.
LEAN Six Sigma combines the best of two proven approaches: LEAN project management and Six Sigma. The goal is not to apply these five principles once and forget them. On the contrary, they should become an integral part of your daily thinking.
Campus LEAN
The continuous improvement and change management experts at Campus LEAN are here to support you in your journey—helping you successfully apply the fundamental principles of LEAN Six Sigma.
Bernard Gagnon
President and CEO
Master Black Belt LEAN Six Sigma
Certified Shingo Facilitator
