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Creating a Six Sigma Culture in Your Workplace

Last Updated October 14, 2020

A group of co-workers sitting in a circle talking about the culture of six sigma.

Arguably, the biggest benefit Six Sigma brings to the organizations that practice it is the way it converts employees from passive participants who often notice problems to active participants who possess the drive to solve them.

A Six Sigma culture has the potential to literally transform employees.

Those with Six Sigma certification are cultured to see themselves and the work they do differently than traditional employees. They’re taught to:

  • See work in terms of process flow, and not just departments and functions
  • Take an active role in defining improvements and identifying solutions, instead of relying on management
  • Utilize the appropriate skills to create and implement solutions
  • Actively involve themselves in continuous improvement efforts

Why Culture Is Important

Once Six Sigma training has been instilled in employees and the transformation is complete, organizations need a company culture that sustains these attributes and prevents employees from reverting to their old behavior and mindset.

“Culture eats strategy for breakfast.”

This quote, attributed to renowned management consultant Peter Drucker, is especially true for Six Sigma. Without a company culture that supports Six Sigma methodology, employees are prone to gradually surrender the power they have acquired through Six Sigma training and return to their old behaviors of problem-solving. A strategy of continuous improvement based on Six Sigma methodology that is not supported by a Six Sigma culture has a much greater chance to fail.

Change Management: The Key to Creating a New Culture

Change management can help solidify a new culture in individuals and organizations. Consider these four ways change management can be used to instill Six Sigma culture into an organization.

Create Awareness and Desire

This process starts at the top, as executive management communicates the benefits of using Six Sigma methodology, down through the organization. This can provide four important benefits:

  • Projects are better able to stay on time and budget
  • Management can support Six Sigma projects by allocating the proper resources
  • Management’s support for Six Sigma projects can decrease resistance from employees and other stakeholders
  • Employee productivity may be less impacted by the change

Expose the Organization to Change

Once upper management has laid the groundwork for a change in culture by placing its support behind Six Sigma, the methodology can be disbursed throughout the organization. The best way to infuse Six Sigma into the organization is through education, training and certification. The more employees exposed to Six Sigma through online and offline training, the more entrenched it can become in the company culture.

Move Ahead, and Be Prepared for Surprises

Following your change management plan is critical for creating a climate where Six Sigma culture can thrive. However, change agents may encounter hidden obstacles that threaten to derail change, such as strongly held traditions or an attachment to outdated practices. Managing change means being prepared for the unexpected.

Reward Generously

What you reward, you typically get more of. When leaders and employees show behavior that promotes a Six Sigma culture, recognize their contributions. Be sure to explain how behavior that supports Six Sigma benefits the company.

Organizations that create a culture that supports Six Sigma can realize the long-term benefits of a workforce that constantly seeks process improvement. Learn more about Six Sigma certification.

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