Top level commitment means both the moral commitment of top level executives, and
the organizational commitment of top level talent. Six Sigma demands resources, both
human and monetary. Senior executives must allocate appropriate materials, funding
and personnel. They must also demand results and make it clear that they will change
existing rules and policies if necessary to facilitate implementation. They must appoint
a clear Six Sigma leader, compose formal plans and exercise care in the selection of
projects. Designated projects should be important to the organizations strategy, have
direct bottom-line o r customer impact, and be achievable within four to six months.
Failure to provide leadership, talent and infrastructure dooms Six Sigma.
The Six Sigma Launch
Six Sigma is a phased program. The first phase is the launch. In the launch phase,
the company plans how it will roll out Six Sigma, selects projects for Six Sigma,
and trains MBBs and Black Belts to lead the Six Sigma implementation. Plans for
deployment should include:
Executive workshops to train top level people for Six Sigma.
Clear statement of goals and a strategy for achieving them.
Measures of process performance and schedules for review.
Criteria for selecting projects.
A system for identifying and prioritizing projects.
Training of Champions, Master Black Belts and Black Belts.
A system for monitoring the progress of projects and for auditing projects.
Plan for rewards, incentives and recognition.
A communications plan.
Adequate time Black Belts should dedicate 100% of their time, and certainly no
less than 50% to 75%, to Six Sigma. This may require leadership to re-assign work.
Expertise The project team has clear directions and access to functional, subject
matter or process experts as needed.
Skills Team members and others have training when and as needed.
Services Teams have priority for use of such services as labs and data systems.
Review Champions review project status weekly; leadership reviews monthly.
Documentation Audit and finance units cooperate to document savings.
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Richard Mark
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