Organizing the Deployment

Sigma Sigma deployment is about organizing and planning the implementation of the strategy. If you look to the military as an example, planning and preparation for a deployment is scientific and methodic. Forward thinking planners have studied and visualize the deployment. They have experts that use standards and table of data that have been proven over time to be accurate. Resources and staffing are assigned based on the mission. Timetables for the deployment are established, and sources are put into motion in order to meet the objectives of deployment with perfect precision. Personnel understand the mission and are trained to the highest standards prior to deployment. When the date arrives, all elements come together in perfect harmony and deployment plans are precisely executed. Leaders expect the unexpected and have allowed for flexibility to adeptly pivot to meet the mission of the deployment. In the end … mission is accomplished in the deployment phase.

Precision in Six Sigma Deployment

When you look at it, there is very little difference between a military deployment and the deployment of a Six Sigma program. Six Sigma is a methodology that is rooted in accuracy and precision, much like the military. Six Sigma uses tools and methodologies that are tried and true, known to achieve success when practiced appropriately. Experts agree that implementing a successful Six Sigma deployment strategy requires planning and training, based on an effective infrastructure. Deployment strategies and structure are based on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology:

D: Define the strategic direction of the organization
M: Set measures for the strategic objectives of the organization
A: On a continual basis, collect data on the measures set and analyze using Six Sigma tools and techniques
I: Identify the opportunities for improvement and convert them to Six Sigma projects for improvement
C: Set up a management control action of continuous reviews on the improvements made on Six Sigma projects

Executing the Plan

Once you have executed the DMAIC methodology, your deployment will be on track and focused on accomplishing the mission. Just like in military planning, you have ensured that all Six Sigma resources and personnel are trained and prepared for deployment. All of the tools available to a Six Sigma professional have been rehearsed and are fully implemented. As the deployment is implemented, everyone from the Champion through the leaders are fully engaged to ensure that success is achieved and you can declare … MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

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Experience Is (and Isn’t) Everything

Using your Six Sigma project experience, you can demonstrate your capabilities. Simple Six Sigma testing, a staple of preparatory and deployment work, limits your ability to show off your skills. The truth is, every Six Sigma practitioner should be able to perform adequate testing. It isn’t very exceptional. However, practical work allows you to put your knowledge and experience to good use.

Employers, whether clients or your own company, can see the differences you are making. Six Sigma projects also allow you to use your creative abilities in a practical sense. Six Sigma is driven by its capacity to theorize and realize creative solutions to production problems. You can draw on your experience working on previous projects and for different companies. You can show employers what needs to change and how you intend to do it.

It’s also a fact that your level of experience isn’t always relevant. We’ve found that, in a scramble to gain market advantage, many companies are offering Six Sigma training and certification to staff members. If your employer chooses to invest in you like this, they expect you to make good on that investment. Many Six Sigma professionals use their certification in their portfolios and CVs to make a strong impression on employers. But, demonstrating your skills and experience can go a long way to achieving the same effect.

What Employers Want You to Show Them

Businesses seek out qualified candidates to fill Six Sigma positions, but, as they say, qualifications aren’t everything. In this case, your experience is what counts. By showing employers how and why you’re a valuable candidate, you are highly likely to succeed in the Six Sigma profession. There are many ways in which your experience can benefit you:

• Strengthening project teams. The best project leaders leverage their team members’ individual skills for the good of the project. Your experience can make you stand out to employers.

• Your ability to improve customer satisfaction. By getting to the root cause of problems, and driving creative solutions, you also contribute to improving customer satisfaction. Customer experience is critical for businesses. As such, Six Sigma professionals should understand how to leverage their skills to make improvements here.

• You can increase stakeholder confidence. The better equipped you are as a Six Sigma professional also increases confidence in company stakeholders. The more qualified and experienced staff your business takes on shows stakeholders the company is moving in the right direction.

• Improving team performance. Six Sigma exists to create improvements for business processes, and employees are essential elements of how Six Sigma works. Experience directing and managing Six Sigma workers will benefit you on any new projects. It will also show employers that you can be trusted to take the reins.

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