Benchmarking results consistently identify critical factors that are needed to increase the probability of Six Sigma success. Even so, getting “naysayers” on board is a continuous challenge. What do you tell them?

Nayism 2: I’m already working 60 hours a week, so how do you expect me to devote anytime to champion a Six Sigma project?

Appropriate project selection can help champions realize that championing a Six Sigma project is not about doing more work. A good Six Sigma project should link to a company’s objectives and goals and ultimately bring recognizable value to the business. So here’s what I say . . .

If you think that championing a Six Sigma project is more work, then you haven’t picked the right project. The “right project” is one that addresses a defect in a process that is critical to achieving the company’s objectives. Whether it’s a Six Sigma project or not, you would be spending time on this because fixing the defect is important to your business. So championing a Six Sigma project is not about spending more time or doing more work. It’s about spending your time doing your work in a different way and with Six Sigma, getting better results.