Posted on Nov 3, 2022
Which could be more useful to the operational and tactical levels, Lean or Six Sigma?
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For those unaware, Lean and Six Sigma are schools of thought in today's business industry, both relatively modern. They're focused on decreasing waste and maximizing gains. Various certifications are available and most of them are recognized and covered through the Army's Credentialing Assistance (CA). There are even certifications available that combine both schools of thought, cleverly known as "Lean-Six Sigma". My questions implies a couple of things from its response: 1) Which ideas should the Army take to heart, 2) Which ideas should individual leaders be studying?
Maybe the hybrid option is the best option, if any at all. Does anyone have experience with these or opinions one way or the other?
I am leaning towards pursuit of a Lean-Silver certification. I dipped my toes into Six-Sigma somewhat and was not interested. Personally, I am looking for lessons that can be incorporated into small teams, switching between the bigger and smaller pictures with ease in down-to-earth operations that are strictly people-first but laser-focused on the mission and the commander's intent.
How many of us have gone into the S-Shops in today's Army and seen absolute chaos? I have personally ridden that lightning. Most of us know that the Army already has a vulnerable system; a comparatively bloated staff to the other branches that in times of war, can become a huge behemoth of logistics and data that is sometimes as much a hindrance as it is a benefit. Mattis and his writings about the invasion into Iraq come to mind. I think one of these programs could help sharpen my mind and benefit the Army is resisting some of this. I am thinking long-term benefits here.
Reading:
https://www.army.mil/article/188090/army_recognizes_best_lean_six_sigma_initiatives
Maybe the hybrid option is the best option, if any at all. Does anyone have experience with these or opinions one way or the other?
I am leaning towards pursuit of a Lean-Silver certification. I dipped my toes into Six-Sigma somewhat and was not interested. Personally, I am looking for lessons that can be incorporated into small teams, switching between the bigger and smaller pictures with ease in down-to-earth operations that are strictly people-first but laser-focused on the mission and the commander's intent.
How many of us have gone into the S-Shops in today's Army and seen absolute chaos? I have personally ridden that lightning. Most of us know that the Army already has a vulnerable system; a comparatively bloated staff to the other branches that in times of war, can become a huge behemoth of logistics and data that is sometimes as much a hindrance as it is a benefit. Mattis and his writings about the invasion into Iraq come to mind. I think one of these programs could help sharpen my mind and benefit the Army is resisting some of this. I am thinking long-term benefits here.
Reading:
https://www.army.mil/article/188090/army_recognizes_best_lean_six_sigma_initiatives
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Lean Six Sigma Course
Lean Six Sigma
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Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
The Army, Navy and Air Force have invested heavily in Lean Six Sigma (LSS) for the last ~15 years or so. The Army even stood up a PMO for its implementation (you know the Army is serious about something if it stands up a PMO and throws resources at it).
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COL Randall C.
A couple of quick searches later and found a few Stand-To! articles that might be of interest.
https://www.army.mil/article/54678/the_armys_lean_six_sigma_program
https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2018/07/24/
https://www.army.mil/article/54678/the_armys_lean_six_sigma_program
https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2018/07/24/
The Army's Lean Six Sigma Program
What is it' Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a vital part of today's business environment.It attacks inefficiencies - waste caused by defects and eliminates non value-added flow of information or materials, data storage, stac...
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1LT (Join to see)
Thank you sir! I'll keep diving into this.
15 years would make sense to me. I was downrange in '09 and saw first-hand the amount of waste that came about from the way we were doing things back then.
15 years would make sense to me. I was downrange in '09 and saw first-hand the amount of waste that came about from the way we were doing things back then.
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Not to be contrary, they are not new, they have been around for decades. Like any theory, process, program, education they are valuable. What has to be weighed is how do they fit into your person and organization.
There is much of many different programs and strategies that are fully integrated into your military training and programs.
My point I guess is that there is no single golden ticket, rather an amalgam of multiple processes which helps to elevate you as a person, a peer and a leader. Whatever works best for you.
There is much of many different programs and strategies that are fully integrated into your military training and programs.
My point I guess is that there is no single golden ticket, rather an amalgam of multiple processes which helps to elevate you as a person, a peer and a leader. Whatever works best for you.
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CSM William Everroad
CSM Darieus ZaGara, I houle have read your reply before adding my own.
You are dead on, the list of self development for senior leaders is a mile long, but I agree that Lean and SS are in the mix.
I like that 1LT (Join to see) is contemplating the benefits. It shows that he may get more out of self development than some leaders we have known.
You are dead on, the list of self development for senior leaders is a mile long, but I agree that Lean and SS are in the mix.
I like that 1LT (Join to see) is contemplating the benefits. It shows that he may get more out of self development than some leaders we have known.
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1LT (Join to see)
Relatively modern. From what they are now, certifications and all, they have only been around since the late 80's from what I know, though the concepts go back as far as the 19th century.
And yes, I agree with you. Which is why I am pressing for further insight, to if it fits me but also keep the discussion applicable to other on RP who may come along with similar interests.
And yes, I agree with you. Which is why I am pressing for further insight, to if it fits me but also keep the discussion applicable to other on RP who may come along with similar interests.
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CSM Darieus ZaGara
CSM William Everroad I concur, anyone who openly solicits opinions usually has a leg up on there peers. I am sure he will do well.
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As COL Randall C. points out, Army had a Lean Six Sigma program during the mid-2000s. It declined in popularity and resources and changed names a couple of times by 2015. I was a LSS program manager for SDDC in this timeframe. Also an Army certified Black Belt.
To answer your question, I think Lean would be most beneficial at the operational and tactical level. The Lean focus on process improvement and continuous improvement works well in a staff work environment. However, some SixSigma data analysis is necessary to show the value of changes to leadership.
I liked the LSS project management approach following the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) process. The Project Management Institute’s approach of develop, plan, execute, control, evaluate can also be used.
No matter what process you use change is difficult. Make sure you have support from senior management and the commander before you start.
To answer your question, I think Lean would be most beneficial at the operational and tactical level. The Lean focus on process improvement and continuous improvement works well in a staff work environment. However, some SixSigma data analysis is necessary to show the value of changes to leadership.
I liked the LSS project management approach following the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve, control) process. The Project Management Institute’s approach of develop, plan, execute, control, evaluate can also be used.
No matter what process you use change is difficult. Make sure you have support from senior management and the commander before you start.
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