Prepare for Take Off

Control plans. They are crucial to the success of any operation or business venture. The more technical or complex the situation, the more crucial a control plan is to achieve the desired results. The perfect example of control plans exist in the aviation industry. From the gate to flight operations and back to the gate, pilots and aircraft operate in a state of absolute control. The control excised ensure a successful and desire outcome for the airline and the passenger. Pilots take charge of the aircraft prior to the flight and accept a flight plan or script for the flight, which covers every aspect of the operation. Departure time, taxi plan, take off runway, speeds, altitudes, routes to the destination, arrival runway and arrival gate are all outlined. This level of control assures a methodical and controlled operation from beginning to end. The pilots responsibility to execute the plan with precision to achieve the desired outcomes. Along the way, there will be variables and unpredictable variations. The pilot is then responsible to meet those variances safely and then bring the operation back into harmony with the plan to achieve the desired outcome.

Flying High With a Control Plan

A Six Sigma control plan is no different than a flight plan for the airlines. It is a written summary of the process that lays out in detail the steps to be taken to maintain a process or a device operating at the current level of performance. During the flight, a Six Sigma professional is just like a pilot, they engage tools that ensure performance that is in harmony with a control plan. Just like the pilot, a Six Sigma professionals performance can be monitored, checked and verified at any point in the plan to ensure the plan is in effect. A few sample elements of a control plan could include chart type, champion, location, and measurement methods.

When variances and unexpected deviations occur, the Six Sigma professional can manipulate and execute the use of tools to bring the operation back into harmony with the plan. The entire process is clearly defined, transparent and logical from beginning to end.

Cleared to Land

When properly prepared and executed, a control plan brings clarity and understanding to any operation. It demands attention and requires professionals to execute their practice in a precious manner, while properly handling unexpected deviation. The operation will truly achieve the desired results when it is given proper attention and control. When the flight arrives at the gate and the engines shut down, a Six Sigma professional will have achieved the best recognition possible … Mission Accomplished!

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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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Understanding the Challenges

An innovative startup faces daunting challenged right out of the gate. According to a Forbes, 90% of all startups FAIL. Let that sink in for a moment. Nine out of ten startups will fail! That is a sobering fact for entrepreneurs when they are investing time and money into a new business. The fact is, new entrepreneurs need a cold, hard dose of reality when considering entering the realm of competition. Why those bold entrepreneurs continue to jump into the fire, despite all of these facts, is the challenge. An entrepreneur thrives on challenges, and it drives them to overcome opposition and fight to win. This competitive environment requires fledgling entrepreneurs work harder, smarter and use every possible competitive edge to survive. Six Sigma is that competitive advantage for entrepreneurs to become agile, and eventually successful.

The Innovative Startup Strategy

An innovative startup faces numerous challenges right out of the gate. The first and foremost is the competition. They are entering an arena where other entrepreneurs are successfully operating. Surfing the competitive hurdle requires that they can deliver a product or service that is of higher quality, more affordable and with more ease to the consumer in a timely manner. A new entrepreneur can compete at the levels by deploying a logical Six Sigma program. Differentiation by utilizing a robust Six Sigma strategy will provide significant agility with competing businesses. Embracing this strategy of continuous improvement creates an environment for innovation to blossom. Nurturing and encouraging that innovation pushes a startup forward, without spreading assets too thin.

Finding a Balance For Success

An innovative startup that reaches successful position have found balance in their position. Six Sigma strategies that are properly implemented will fuel innovation, balance asset allocation, and keep a focus on continuous quality improvement. Finding that balance and remaining agile in a continuously changing environment will keep an innovative startup out of that 90% segment that fails.

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