Hiring intentions are strong right now. This makes it the perfect time to climb higher in your career. One simple way to do this is through getting certifications.
Specifically, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are hot picks for those eyeing managerial positions. They can make your resume stand out to employers.
However, there’s a great debate about Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma. If you want to know which cert is best for you, keep reading.
The Basics of Six Sigma
Six Sigma was first created by Motorola in 1986. Its main aim is to enhance outcome quality by eliminating defect causes and reducing any irregularities. This objective is reached by:
- Eradicating waste
- Reducing changeability
- Seeking perfect processes
This business strategy is systematic. It follows a clear method called DMAIC. This stands for:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyze
- Improve
- Control
Some Six Sigma frameworks use DMADV if a new process is being created. This stands for:
- Define
- Measure
- Analyze
- Design
- Verify
Through these methods, Six Sigma fosters robust leadership skills. It calls for nurturing directors within the organization, known as the Six Sigma Black Belts. They lead the way on projects and guide other team members.
Overview of Lean Six Sigma
Lean Six Sigma helps make businesses better. It brings together Lean and Six Sigma.
‘Lean’ cuts out waste and steps that don’t help the customer. Six Sigma aims to create fewer mistakes and more consistency. By blending these two, you have a strategy for reaching the best performance in business operations.
This method is all about being efficient and effective. It gets rid of what you don’t need. Also, it relies on real data to guide decisions.
Lean Six Sigma uses the DMAIC method. With it, companies can deliver higher quality, work faster, and spend less money.
Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma: Differences
Six Sigma aims for top-notch quality and exactness by pinpointing and reducing process flaws. In contrast, Lean makes your business faster by eliminating steps that don’t help the customer. Lean Six Sigma still uses DMAIC steps but with a greater focus on speed and cutting costs.
Who Should Opt for Six Sigma Certification?
If you’re looking to sharpen your problem-solving and analytical skills, Six Sigma certification could be a great choice. It’s especially useful for those in quality management or operational roles.
Six Sigma-certified professionals are highly sought after across diverse industries. Companies value the way these professionals lower risks for their organizations. Some notable businesses that hire Six Sigma-certified individuals include:
- Johnson & Johnson
- Amazon
- North Carolina State University
- Walmart
- Pfizer
Having a Six Sigma certification can make you more valuable to employers and open up new career paths. If you’re on the hunt for better job prospects, getting certified might be the key.
Ideal Candidates for Lean Six Sigma Certification
If you’re advancing your career in management, Lean Six Sigma is what you’d aim for. People engaged in business productivity, quality assurance, and operational roles can gain from this certification. They should have a propensity for:
- Problem-solving
- Statistical analysis
- Continuous improvement
Project managers and process engineers are common among Lean Six Sigma certificate holders. Still, a range of individuals from top-tier organizations seek this certification. This includes those from leading companies such as Amazon, BMW, and Cisco.
Benefits of Six Sigma Certification
Six Sigma seeks to raise the standard of products and services. This leads to greater customer contentment.
The result is improved customer loyalty. You’ll also raise the possibility of attracting leads through strong referrals.
Develops Leadership Qualities
Pursuing Six Sigma certification involves leading large projects. This cultivates essential leadership and management capabilities. It’s crucial for individuals aspiring to move into managerial positions.
Recognized Across Industries
Six Sigma’s tools and methodologies are universal. This widespread recognition affords certified professionals the flexibility to move across different industries. It’s one of those business certifications that broadens career pathways.
Promotes Ongoing Improvement
Adopting Six Sigma instills a mindset of continual betterment. You’ll incessantly search for ways to cut waste and boost productivity. This ethos of perpetual refinement can inspire an entire organization to strive for regular enhancements.
Implementing Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma
Starting with Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma means providing in-depth training for your team. Opt for comprehensive courses like those from www.theleansixsigmacompany.co.uk. They offer extensive Six Sigma certification courses that cover various belts.
Selecting an effective training program is key. The success of these methodologies hinges on your team’s skill and knowledge.
Set Clear Goals
Before starting a project, define measurable goals. Decide whether you want waste reduction, efficiency improvement, or higher customer satisfaction.
Clear objectives allow for effective progress measurement. They also ensure your team has common goals.
Choose Impactful Projects
Six Sigma is best for systemic problems. A project is a strong match if it involves central business processes or affects the customer experience.
The definition of success should be clear. If your goal is well-defined and data can be easily gathered and analyzed, Six Sigma might be the right approach.
Projects that boost growth or reduce costs suit Six Sigma perfectly. These projects deliver huge benefits to the most impactful areas of the company.
Six Sigma works especially well when you need to address complex processes with inconsistent results. If your project’s goal is to stabilize results, Six Sigma offers a clear route for improvement.
Encourage Continuous Improvement
Foster an environment where team suggestions are welcome. Remember that successes and failures are learning opportunities. This approach drives innovation and keeps your team committed.
Make Data-Driven Decisions
Rely on data for decision-making. Gather and analyze relevant information to pinpoint improvement areas. Data-driven decisions help eliminate biases.
Get Certified
For Six Sigma vs. Lean Six Sigma, the choice depends on your career goals. Six Sigma improves quality, while Lean Six Sigma speeds things up and saves money.
If improving and leading projects is your goal, consider Six Sigma certification. For a focus on efficiency in management roles, go with Lean Six Sigma. Both certificates can open doors to great jobs.
If you’re curious about more certifications, check out our blog. You’ll find lots of options to help you grow in your career.