University of Minnesota - UMN Executive Leadership Insights
What Is Lean Six Sigma?
Book

What Is Lean Six Sigma?

Bill Kastle, David Rowlands and Michael L. George
McGraw-Hill, 2003
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Editorial Rating

9

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Recommendation

Six Sigma books often couch their wisdom in acronyms or jargon, or they offer vague, unfulfilling anecdotal narratives. This book is different. As trim, focused and efficient as if a Six Sigma team had designed it, it gets the job done. Its mission is simple: explain the basic structure of Lean Six Sigma initiatives to readers who are likely to become involved in one. While select case studies are judiciously sprinkled throughout, this is a meat-and-potatoes book that tells you what you need to know in clear, straightforward prose. Although the authors - Mike George, Dave Rowlands and Bill Kastle - humbly issue the caveat that this is not intended to be a comprehensive reference, its terse yet relevant style will probably make it one of those dog-eared volumes that barely gets back to the HR bookshelf before it’s checked out again. Because of its plainspoken functionality, getAbstract recommends this manual strongly to anyone whose future may involve Lean Six Sigma.

Summary

A Steady Diet of Lean Six Sigma

You may be reading this because your company is considering a Lean Six Sigma endeavor. If so, the first question you need to answer is simply, what is Lean Six Sigma? It is an improvement initiative that uses data to eliminate process bottlenecks and problems. It is also called an improvement engine, in that it gives your organization and its employees a new toolbox of procedures and roles that, once in place, can generate better results continuously. The Lean Six Sigma system helps companies succeed in a world where customers expect fast delivery of high-quality goods at a very low cost.

Those who will help introduce Six Sigma to your organization have special roles. They are Six Sigma Black Belts, experts who have already helped implement Six Sigma programs in their organizations. Becoming a Six Sigma Black Belt has no downside risk, and includes excellent training. Black Belts develop valuable job skills in decision-making, problem solving and teamwork. They help their companies become more profitable by increasing revenue, cutting costs, delivering products faster, minimizing inventories and boosting customer satisfaction levels.

About the Authors

Mike George is the founder and CEO of the Lean Six Sigma consulting firm, George Group, and the author of Lean Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma for Service. Dave Rowlands is vice president for quality and head of Lean Six Sigma at Xerox Corporation. Bill Kastle, vice president of George Group, has helped guide Lean Six Sigma initiatives at major corporations.

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