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Rich Sigma's 6-Step Improvement Process Part six of six. And it's not Rich's.  It's the combination of many many methodologies that have been taught over the years.  DMAIC, PDCA, and all the rest. When I teach this stuff I use no Acronyms. I use plain language, no jargon. And people GET IT! 𝟭) 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝟮) 𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗶𝗲𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝟯) 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 / 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝟰) 𝗗𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗳𝗳 𝟱) 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗳𝘆 𝟲) 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 Check out the previous posts about Steps 1-5 Moving onto Step 6... 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝟲:   𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁 (what went well, not so well?) • You worked out a clear vision around your goal (or problem), your current situation, and the environment where you are operating. • Then you identified all the gaps and missing pieces between where you are and where you want to be. • Then you put them in order and planned them out in a logical way that respected needs and available resources. • Then you did the stuff.  You executed the plan. • Then you Verified the ongoing actions and results. Almost nobody takes it any further in a formal way.  And that is a huge miss.  It's the secret sauce to continuing improvement efforts. And it's FREE. Simply look at what you've done so far and ask how it went.  What went well, what did not go well, what should be dropped next time, etc. And there are the magic words... "next time" - which implies another round of this. And sets this up to become a self-sustaining loop of focused improvement efforts. It becomes an upward spiral. Each time you go around, you make the improvement process itself better.  You learn to work better as a team. Each time around it becomes more baked in to the fabric of how you operate.  This becomes "the way we've always done it". Each time around you become closer to having built a true continuous improvement culture.  A culture where the act of self improvement is part of the group identity. And it's a beautiful thing. p.s.  What would you add to this?  Any examples? Hi, I'm Rich! 🤘   I teach Leaders and Teams how to find and solve the small problems that cost big money. Then help them set up #Boring processes and systems to grow and maintain excellence. -> Follow to stay connected 👍 -> Repost this to share ♻️ #BoringExcellence #SigmaNation #RichSigma #RichLife #Simple

Recently, I was engaged by a client to introduce Lean tools at the front-line of their organization. They had previously implemented Six Sigma's DMAIC process at this level, resulting in significant confusion and complexity for both the leaders and the front-line. In any profession, it's important to use the “right tools for the right job” and to adhere to the principle of “keeping it simple” when implementing new systems and processes. While DMAIC is highly effective in suitable contexts, the PDCA cycle proved to be a more appropriate choice for this particular situation. The Plan, Do, Check and Act (PDCA) cycle was implemented by Toyota after World War 2, courtesy of Edward Deming who went to Japan to help rebuild industries. The key purpose for use of this cycle was to create a “learning” environment where front-line team members were encouraged to try new ways of working that improved the way they carried out their work. Much the same as we teach our children to walk – we encourage not chastise. As human beings we learn by making mistakes so we need to create a working environment where this is embraced. A question to ask of your organisation:- when carrying out an improvement that didn’t go so well was it celebrated? For front-line the PDCA cycle needs to be simple and iterative. Therefore for the front- line: - 1. Plan - We plan what we are going to do 2. Do - Implement planned actions on a small scale, in a controlled environment 3. Check - Understand if it worked, using facts and data 4. Act – If it worked – standardise and share, if not – learn and share, then PDCA again This non-threatening approach engages the people in the continuous improvement cycle and creates an environment that is psychologically safe to work in. This process is a key fundamental in engaging your work teams to move your culture to “world class”. Note: The diagram gives a great visual on the PDCA cycle. Key messages:- • PDCA cycle moves uphill • Standards need to underpin the improvement and will roll back down the hill if not chocked • PDCA focus is to remove waste from work processes

10 Lean Principles I Wish I Knew When I Started My Career These truths will save you years of inefficiency and frustration: 1️⃣ Waste is everywhere 🗑️ ↳ Most processes have hidden inefficiencies ....find and eliminate them. 2️⃣ Customer value is king 👑 ↳ Everything you do should deliver value to your customers....or it’s a waste. 3️⃣ Small changes compound 📈 ↳ Kaizen (continuous improvement) beats flashy overhauls every time. 4️⃣ Perfect doesn't exist ❌ ↳ Stop aiming for perfection; aim for consistent progress. 5️⃣ Empowered teams perform better 🚀 ↳ Your team is your biggest asset....give them ownership and watch them thrive. 6️⃣ Standardize, then innovate ⚙️ ↳ A solid foundation of processes is the springboard for real creativity. 7️⃣ Collaboration wins partnerships 🤝 ↳ Success depends on integrating suppliers and aligning goals, not working in silos. 8️⃣ The slowest step sets the pace 🕰️ ↳ Identify bottlenecks.....they dictate how fast you can truly deliver. 9️⃣ Data is your compass 🧭 ↳ Measure, analyse, and act on metrics to avoid getting lost in guesswork. 🔟 You’re never done learning 📚 ↳ Lean isn’t a destination; it’s a journey. Keep experimenting, keep growing. Adopt these principles now. They'll save you years of trial and error and help you create the kind of processes that drive lasting success. 💬 What’s the #1 Lean principle that’s worked for you? Drop your insights in the comments and help others improve too ⬇️ ♻️ Repost this if you found it valuable Follow Alex Marani for more

Feeling overwhelmed by a process problem? You're not alone. I've been there too. But what if I told you that these challenges could be opportunities to shine? One of my colleagues I worked with turned a frustrating process into a career-defining moment by applying the DMAIC methodology. They started small, streamlining tasks and reducing waste. Before long, they were recognized as a problem-solver and innovator. Ready to unlock your potential? Start by identifying a process that needs improvement. Break it down, analyze it, and implement solutions. Remember, small steps lead to big results. Want to learn how to apply Lean Six Sigma in your workplace and advance your career? Check this out: https://lnkd.in/gfnpyYck Let's turn your challenges into triumphs! #LeanSixSigma #ProcessImprovement #CareerGrowth

Continuous Improvement Quotes. --“The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they’re mutually reinforcing.” ~Michael Porter --“Everything can be improved.” ~Clarence W. Barron --“Learning is not compulsory; it’s voluntary. Improvement is not compulsory; it’s voluntary. But to survive, we must learn.” ~W. Edwards Deming --“If a company isn’t continuously improving then it is slowly dying.” ~Dave Waters https://lnkd.in/g6wMm4n

Ready to Take Your Career and Productivity to the Next Level? 🚀 Our Lean Course is designed to transform the way you work and think. Here's how it can change your daily life: 💼 Advance Your Career: Gain the Lean expertise that sets you apart and opens doors to new opportunities. ⏳ Save Time: Learn how to streamline tasks, eliminate inefficiencies, and make more room for what matters most. 📈 Boost Productivity: Master proven techniques that will skyrocket your productivity and help you achieve more with less effort. 🧠 Improve Decision Making: With Lean tools, you'll make smarter, data-driven decisions that lead to better outcomes. Why wait? Start your transformation today! 👉 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗷𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆! www.leanresultspro.com

Continuous Improvement Quotes. --“The thing is, continuity of strategic direction and continuous improvement in how you do things are absolutely consistent with each other. In fact, they’re mutually reinforcing.” ~Michael Porter --“Everything can be improved.” ~Clarence W. Barron --“Learning is not compulsory; it’s voluntary. Improvement is not compulsory; it’s voluntary. But to survive, we must learn.” ~W. Edwards Deming --“If a company isn’t continuously improving then it is slowly dying.” ~Dave Waters https://lnkd.in/g6wMm4n

Lean. Learn. Lead!!! Today, I’m proud to say I’ve leveled up as a Lean Expert – but this isn’t just about adding another certification to my name. It’s about transforming how I think, work, and solve problems. Lean has reshaped my approach to value creation, making efficiency and continuous improvement second nature. Here’s what’s stuck with me the most from this journey: 🔄 Pull System: A revelation for me – why push when you can pull? Building systems that respond to real demand keeps waste at bay and focus intact. 📈 Continuous Process Flow: The magic of flow is undeniable. When processes move like water – uninterrupted and smooth – results follow naturally. 📊 Heijunka: Think of it as a calm amidst the storm. Balancing workloads even when demand fluctuates ensures we’re not just working harder, but smarter. 📏 Standard Work: Creativity thrives with structure. Standard work isn’t about rigidity; it’s about setting a baseline for improvement and consistency. 👁️ Visual Control: Sometimes, seeing really is believing. Making information instantly clear to everyone, everywhere, is a game-changer for decision-making. 💡 5 Why's Analysis: Like being a detective, but for processes. Ask "why" enough times, and you’ll discover the root cause – and it’s rarely the one you first suspected. ⏱️ Takt Time: This one humbled me. Learning to respect the pace of demand showed me how to sync output with what truly matters to customers. This isn’t just a checklist of tools; it’s a mindset shift. Lean has taught me to question everything: Is this adding value? Can we do it better? And most importantly, how do we keep improving every single day? I’m excited to take these lessons forward, applying them to real challenges and creating meaningful impact. #LeanExpert #ContinuousImprovement #OperationalExcellence #ProblemSolving

“Lean Six Sigma” is a term thrown around like candy. But how many people actually know what it is? Just as important, who knows what it is not? In this article, we're clarifying the characteristics of the method and some common misconceptions. https://lnkd.in/grMf_Kue