Most Six Sigma initiatives are project-oriented. And although implementing Six Sigma methodology on a project can lead to some improvement, a company can’t achieve full benefit of implementing Six Sigma. To maximize Six Sigma benefits, a corporation must commit to the methodology in its entirety. And a successful implementation of the Six Sigma initiative requires information gathering and executive team training on the Six Sigma goals. Six Sigma isn’t about quality improvement techniques, nor is it about statistics. Six Sigma must be treated as a strategic initiative to improve profitability and accelerate growth. With such understanding, top executives must make the commitment to adopt Six Sigma. One of the major challenges is to manage investment in Six Sigma initiative. Managers must make the investment commensurate with the opportunity for profit and growth. The main difference between Six Sigma and similar improvement initiatives is that Six Sigma must be utilized when the improvement in the company’s bottom line becomes apparent. With clear understanding of the opportunity, the executive team must establish needs and goals clearly. If a company decides to improve its finances, the goals must be set accordingly. If the object is to reduce waste by improving processes, the goals must be set to achieve Six Sigma performance level for various processes.

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