Six Sigma leadership was introduced by Motorola in 1986. In the 1990’s it was adopted by almost all the major fortune 500 companies. Six Sigma leaders are supposed to be six times more successful than their other counterparts. The instant popularity which this form of leadership gained is proof of its effectiveness.
What are the traits which creates this unique form of leadership?
What makes Six Sigma a much sought-after form of leadership?
What constitutes Six Sigma?
- Hawk vision. A Six Sigma leader is flexible and responsive. He takes decisions after taking into account the whole landscape.
- Process Oriented. They follow a process which ensures minimal wastage possible so as to increase the profits and returns.
- Active listening. Active or empathetic listening is the first step of effective leadership. This trait is further nurtured in Six Sigma Leaders.
- Cause and effect way of thinking. The thought process of a leader should be such that it has the vision to gauge the impact of the decisions taken today by a department in the whole enterprise.
- Focus on continuous growth. A Six Sigma leader has his eye on industrial relevance. They build a positive corporate drive and professional development which is valued and shared.
- Responsibility. This leader creates a corporate culture of accountability and sustainability.
- Patience. Patience is a virtue critical to leaders, specifically honed in a Six Sigma leader who concentrates on the overall growth of the team.
- Analytical Problem-Solving Skills. A Six Sigma leader through professional development and executive monitoring utilises an analytical method of problem solving.
- Team Player. It is critical for a Six Sigma leader to understand team dynamics and build a robust, successful and motivated team.
- Financial Planning and controlling. Financial planning is a basic requirement for the success of any venture. This onus is on a Six Sigma leader.
- International Organisational Development. Every department/team in an organisation is like a brick in the whole structure. Every brick needs to be robust for the international Organisation to be robust. This task is essential to a six-sigma leader
“Measurement is the first step that leads to control and eventually to improvement. If you can’t measure something, you can’t understand it. If you can’t understand it, you can’t control it. If you can’t control it, you can’t improve it.”
Witnessing the success of Six Sigma form of leadership, it has been merged with other forms of leadership like lean leadership. Giving birth to Lean Six Sigma form of leadership style.
