Six Sigma has gained a reputation as a data-driven statistical methodology for process improvement. If the statistical methodology by itself were responsible for Six Sigma’s success, then there would be nothing new in Six Sigma. Methodologies based on data-driven statistics have been known for many years and have been utilized for a long time by smart engineers and statisticians. So, what makes Six Sigma click?Successful implementation of Six Sigma relates to available opportunity, focus, aggressive goal setting, leadership, teamwork and superior performance management. I haven’t heard many corporations talking about employee incentives, and as soon as management starts talking about Six Sigma and lean, employees fear layoffs. Instead of being excited about incentives, they’re afraid of being fired.

I don’t think one can realize maximum profits from Six Sigma without sharing the benefits with employees. The equation for incentives is simple. Leadership must inspire so much improvement that the resulting savings are significant enough to share with all stakeholders, including employees. This requires that leadership create an opportunity for such improvement and invest resources in planning this improvement. Company leaders must also investigate opportunities for growth through market penetration and opportunities for new products or services through innovation.

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