by Rick Maurer

Getting people to support Six Sigma can be challenging. However, if you are a leader or consultant trained in Six Sigma, you probably believe in that process. And that makes it difficult to grasp why others might not be so wild about it. In my experience, the people who do the best job building support for Six Sigma understand people as well as the technology.

Here are some resources that can help in your planning. (And they all are free.)

First, you've got to understand why people might support - or why they might resist - Six Sigma. So please read Resistance to Change - Why It Matters and What to Do About It. Resistance to Change

Then, ask yourself, where are the stakeholders with regard to the three levels I describe in the article? That exercise alone should start to give you ideas of where you need to focus your attention.

Let's say you need to show people that it makes sense to measure quality out to the sixth standard deviation. Take a look at the articles that show you how to make a compelling case for change. Making a Compelling Case for Change

Maybe you need some way to get started. You can't do much better than Kaizen events. However, let's say you are more inclined to create your own format for getting people moving forward, then take a look at the articles on getting start on the right foot. Either way, we urge you to look at Guidelines for Holding a Planning Meeting. Getting Started on the Right Foot

Holding an event - deciding where to focus, setting targets, and so forth - can be exciting. It can make you believe that success is inevitable. Ah, if it were only so simple. You still need to do things to keep the process alive so you get real tangible results for all that effort. Click here for articles that can help you keep the change alive.
Keeping Change Alive

Sometimes, the unexpected happens and the train starts to derail - and you've got to do something to get the process back on track. Here are some articles that can help.
Getting Back on Track

And finally, you can subscribe to Tools for a Change, a free e-mail newsletter. Interested? Just click here. Tools for a Change Newsletter sign up

Good luck with Six Sigma in your organization.

Rick Maurer
www.beyondresistance.com