Baldrige & 6 Sigma

Should an organization choose between the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award or a Six Sigma initiative? If we were to create a matrix of the Baldrige values, core concepts, and criteria against the six sigma tools and techniques, there would definitely be many overlapping and mutually supporting ideas and concepts. So, it really should not be a question of choice between either/or. The two models are certainly not separate in their purpose, and I would argue they are mutually supportive of each other. Whereas one focuses on “what,” the other focuses on “how.” Baldrige provides a business excellence model: Where does an organization need to focus to excel? Six Sigma provides tools and techniques to support a business excellence strategy. If Baldrige drives the strategy, then Six Sigma drives the tactics to achieve the objectives.

Coaches need to be deeply involved in their organizations’ strategy in order to help drive their six sigma initiative to support corporate objectives. That may play out on a practical level in helping belts and steering committees select projects, or helping choose improvement solutions that more directly support the strategy. Coaches should participate in organizational strategy meetings either as an invited member, or as an observer. Another idea is for the coach to volunteer to facilitate the strategy meeting.

A great way for coaches to gain perspective from a strategic vantage is to participate in a state level quality award process. Most states and many localities have award programs modeled on the national award. And every program is usually seeking volunteers. More information to locate a program is found at http://www.networkforexcellence.org/

As an examiner for both the State of Kansas award and the national award I can attest that participation is time consuming and hard work. However, the payoff has been a significant shift in my own capability to see opportunities from a broader perspective and focus projects that I have coached to achieve strategic objectives. And the Baldrige values and core concepts have been extraordinarily helpful when framing arguments and soliciting support for change initiatives.

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