Value Add 6 Sigma Coach
So why does a black or green belt need a Six Sigma coach? After all, belts are smart people, they have attended training, demonstrated knowledge and use of the tools and techniques, and they know their organization. Supposedly they were selected into their six sigma role because management believes they are capable. So why would a smart, capable person need a coach?
Good question.
The answer lies in where the coach can actually focus the intervention to add value to players’ efforts and help them achieve their objectives. If a coach focuses on the six sigma methodology, tools and techniques, that coach will soon be marginalized. Smart and capable belts usually don’t need much help in this area. Yes, perhaps a belt might occasionally need some support or verification of correct application of a tool. But a coach who offers only this service will not be called upon often.
Breakdowns in a six sigma project are usually not a function of tool failure. Invariably breakdowns are people, team, cultural, or change management issues. Tools are only tools. Real value is added when people within the organization embrace and implement the process improvements in order to meet strategic objectives. And people, not tools and techniques, accomplish strategic objectives.
The coach is in a unique position to be able to move around within and at various hierarchy levels in the organization to gather information, exert influence, and campaign for support. The Six Sigma coach adds value by helping the belt build support within the team and among the organization management, champions and stakeholders. The coach helps the belt focus on those issues, solutions, alternatives that connect to the strategic objectives. The coach helps the belt think through the current situation, the obstacles facing the project, brainstorm possible alternative solutions, and develop tactics to move forward.
The coach adds value by helping the belt address the people issues.
This blog is a service of The Six Sigma Coach, LLC. We provide coach training to experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Visit our web page at http://www.thesixsigmacoach.com and comments via email to info@thesixsigmacoach.com
Good question.
The answer lies in where the coach can actually focus the intervention to add value to players’ efforts and help them achieve their objectives. If a coach focuses on the six sigma methodology, tools and techniques, that coach will soon be marginalized. Smart and capable belts usually don’t need much help in this area. Yes, perhaps a belt might occasionally need some support or verification of correct application of a tool. But a coach who offers only this service will not be called upon often.
Breakdowns in a six sigma project are usually not a function of tool failure. Invariably breakdowns are people, team, cultural, or change management issues. Tools are only tools. Real value is added when people within the organization embrace and implement the process improvements in order to meet strategic objectives. And people, not tools and techniques, accomplish strategic objectives.
The coach is in a unique position to be able to move around within and at various hierarchy levels in the organization to gather information, exert influence, and campaign for support. The Six Sigma coach adds value by helping the belt build support within the team and among the organization management, champions and stakeholders. The coach helps the belt focus on those issues, solutions, alternatives that connect to the strategic objectives. The coach helps the belt think through the current situation, the obstacles facing the project, brainstorm possible alternative solutions, and develop tactics to move forward.
The coach adds value by helping the belt address the people issues.
This blog is a service of The Six Sigma Coach, LLC. We provide coach training to experienced Six Sigma practitioners. Visit our web page at http://www.thesixsigmacoach.com and comments via email to info@thesixsigmacoach.com
posted by The Six Sigma Coach | 2/27/2006 08:31:00 AM
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