You like cats? Here's an example of how Lean Six Sigma can help you!
We are convinced that Lean Six Sigma can truly help everyone, in their personal and professional lives!
In this post, we'd like to explain how you can benefit from Lean Six Sigma even in your everyday life...and what makes the difference! Attached is a simple example:
Problem: Help, my cat is overweight!
This is not a bad method ...provided that what we think is the cause of the problem is actually the cause of the problem.
In this case: If the cat is overweight only because it moves too little and eats too much, then it should weigh less after it moves more and the amounts of food are reduced. If the cat actually loses weight after such a measure, the theory has been confirmed.
In our professional and private lives, we solve a whole range of problems in this way, relying on accumulated experience and our gut feeling. If we know what is actually causing the problem, the chosen method is spot on.
What does problem solving look like with Lean Six Sigma?
Actually, it's not that different from the way we normally approach solving everyday problems.
The DMAIC methodology practiced in the example differs from conventional problem solving in only a few respects:
- The scale used (measuring the problem) is questioned and ruled out as a possible cause.
- Analysis of existing historical data provides additional insight.
- The problem is described more precisely and existing differences are identified (cat to cat, time to time, food type to food type).
- Before improvement actions are taken, proof of cause & effect must be provided. Evidence is required because resources for improvement actions are limited.
- Simple practices like checks, visual management and standardization prevent errors & human mistakes.
- Prevention and process control ensure the maintenance of the achieved improvement
While a little more time is invested in the analysis phase, the implementation phase is significantly shortened. Unnecessary improvement loops and recurrence of the problem are avoided.
In summary, the Lean Six Sigma methodology is a series of common sense questions that are asked in order to solve a problem with as little action as possible, on the first try and in a sustainable way.
Two basic assumptions of Lean Six Sigma are:
- I can only improve what I measure
- If the true causes of a problem are uncovered, then the problem can be reduced or eliminated by controlling and eliminating the causes.
We hold: everyday problems where the root cause is unknown are ideal for Lean Six Sigma.
What everyday problems would you like to tackle with Lean Six Sigma? Share your experiences in our community! 😊
