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This article is the second in our three-part series to help you achieve the best results using Six Sigma. You can read the whole article series here. Now, get set…

Our three-part guide will act as the perfect primer on all the important Six Sigma project facts. Today we discuss how to assemble and prepare the perfect (almost!) cross-discipline project team. Remember, there’s no I in team; everyone is equally important.

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Rules to Live By 

Putting together a Six Sigma project team can be quite difficult at first, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you’re wondering which belt goes where and what type of people you need on the team, our three golden rules will help make things easier.

1. Be flexible, but firm. Reshuffling is always necessary eventually and can lead to the best process improvement results. Good project management ensures a core group of team members is maintained throughout the entire project. You should also be ready for any additions or replacements that may become necessary, depending on the needs of the project. Remember, there are three types of team members you should consider when building your team:

• Standard members. The people who make up the bulk of the team, attending all meetings and taking part in all tasks.
• Ad hoc members. Those who are only needed once the team requires their specialized knowledge and skills.
• Resource members. These members are only necessary per the team leader’s discretion, acting as sources of knowledge. They provide assistance when needed, as well as whatever resources the project may require.

2. Talent should be allocated based on need. There are several roles that usually make up a process improvement or Six Sigma project team. These are the stakeholder, an engineering operative, an accounting and budget specialist, a process expert, and the process owner. Assign each team member appropriately, and only if it is necessary to the success of the project.

3. Decide on a common goal. Your team should know from the word Go what is expected of them, and how they can best deliver on those expectations. Diversity of opinion is always a positive, as each team member can offer a wealth of knowledge to support the team’s collective ability. As such, you should make building a mutual purpose and a common identity a priority for your team. Any potential obstacles and restrictions should be made clear and properly communicated.

A Good Leader Should Ensure Everyone Pulls Their Weight

Great leadership is imperative to the success of any team-based endeavor. Once your team is assembled, it is up to you as a leader to motivate and direct them, but also to take feedback when needed. Everyone is equally important, which is why everyone’s ideas should be taken into consideration. You are more than just a supervisor and should play an active role in all aspects of the project. Remember, the best leaders seek advice. The worst leaders see people as tools.

At 6Sigma.us we are committed to helping people find solutions! We provide hands-on implementations of Lean and Six Sigma at our locations, at your workplace or online. Visit our schedule of classes and find a solution that meets your needs, or contact us and we will surely help you find the right fit.