Implementing Lean Six Sigma is, at first sight, related to process flows, values and seeking opportunities for financial savings. The aspect of a company's human resources management strategy is, however, equally important. The IndustryWeek.com website pointed to four main factors concerning employee recruitment and training that are necessary to consider carefully in this context in manufacturing companies.
1. Training is not a cost item
In practice, there is often not enough time for employee training when production goes well and not enough money when production goes less well. Successful implementation of Lean Six Sigma, however, requires a learning culture in which training is not perceived as an unnecessary expense but as a matter of course.
2. The ability to perceive problems and come up with solutions is important for all positions
As early as when hiring blue-collar workers and technical specialists for production, you should take into account whether they are, in addition to their hard skills, also able to evaluate different situations, to see problems and suggest solutions.
3. Managers should not be dictators
Lean Six Sigma teaches managers how to stop giving orders and start to facilitate discussions and gather feedback on how to improve the efficiency of corporate processes. Only then they can start to put the improvements into practice together with their teams.
4. Better processes are a team issue
Employees in manufacturing companies has traditionally been taught to optimize their individual performance. Lean Six Sigma is, however, a team issue. It aims to meet team and company-wide KPIs.
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