Recently I have been coaching some newly trained Green Belts (GBs) doing DMAIC projects and observed very similar struggles many organizations experience. For example, Making little progress because of no time or resources Stuck in the Define phase two months after the project start Confused by the tools and their applicability in the project Overwhelmed… Continue reading The First Six Sigma Project
Category: Strategy
Setting SMART Goals
Recently I had conversations with several people on different occasions about effective goal setting. It is a common practice to use Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) as criteria to create goals. However, using SMART goals for effective management or decision making is not as simple as it appears. For example, “improve product ABC… Continue reading Setting SMART Goals
Creating Better Strategies
What is your company’s strategy? As an employee or manager, what does it mean to you? Not many people I know can articulate it well. There seems to be much confusion between strategies and goals. Many strategies only state the desired outcomes without either 1) a meaningful connection to the organization’s unique ability to execute… Continue reading Creating Better Strategies
Seeking Knowledge in the Information Age
We live in an age of information. Technology not only accelerates the generation of information but lowers the barriers to access. When it comes to solving business problems, useful knowledge remains elusive. Every day one can find countless books, articles, conference presentations, webinars, and blogs showcasing success stories of business improvement using various methodologies. While… Continue reading Seeking Knowledge in the Information Age
Road to the Data-rich Future
There is hardly a day gone by without seeing an article about a business or organization using data analytics, machine learning, or artificial intelligence to solve tough problems or even disrupt the industry. With wide availability of computers and other digital devices, capturing and storing data becomes easier. This represents unprecedented opportunities to gain knowledge… Continue reading Road to the Data-rich Future
Starting Lean Six Sigma
Are you thinking about bringing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to your organization but concerned with their effectiveness? Starting with three questions will help increase your chance of success or return on investment. For more than a decade, I have led, supported, and observed Lean Six Sigma deployments in many organizations in life sciences.… Continue reading Starting Lean Six Sigma