What are the common pitfalls and mistakes to avoid in six sigma projects?

1 Lack of alignment

One of the first pitfalls to avoid in six sigma projects is the lack of alignment between the project goals and the organizational strategy. If the project is not aligned with the vision, mission, and values of the organization, it may face resistance, confusion, and low support from the stakeholders. To avoid this, you should ensure that the project is aligned with the voice of the customer, the voice of the business, and the voice of the process. You should also communicate the project benefits and expectations clearly and frequently to the relevant parties.

2 Poor project selection

Another common mistake in six sigma projects is the poor project selection. If the project is too broad, too narrow, too complex, or too simple, it may not deliver the desired results or may waste time and resources. To avoid this, you should use a systematic and data-driven approach to select the right project based on the critical to quality (CTQ) factors, the potential impact, the feasibility, and the return on investment. You should also use a project charter to define the scope, objectives, deliverables, and roles and responsibilities of the project team.

3 Inadequate training and coaching

A third pitfall to avoid in six sigma projects is the inadequate training and coaching of the project team and the process owners. If the team members and the process owners are not trained and coached on the six sigma tools, techniques, and principles, they may not be able to apply them effectively or sustain the improvements. To avoid this, you should provide adequate training and coaching to the team members and the process owners on the six sigma methodology, the project phases, the data analysis, the problem-solving, and the change management. You should also monitor and evaluate their performance and provide feedback and recognition.

4 Insufficient data and analysis

A fourth mistake to avoid in six sigma projects is the insufficient data and analysis. If the project is not based on reliable and relevant data and analysis, it may not identify the root causes of the problems, the best solutions, or the actual results. To avoid this, you should collect and verify the data from multiple sources and use appropriate statistical tools and techniques to analyze the data. You should also use graphical and numerical methods to display and interpret the data and validate the hypotheses and assumptions.

5 Poor implementation and control

A fifth pitfall to avoid in six sigma projects is the poor implementation and control of the solutions and the improvements. If the project does not implement and control the solutions and the improvements effectively, it may not achieve the expected outcomes or may revert to the old state. To avoid this, you should use a structured and systematic approach to implement and control the solutions and the improvements. You should also use pilot tests, risk assessments, action plans, and control charts to ensure the quality and sustainability of the solutions and the improvements.