Lean Six Sigma Source

Are We Speaking the Same Language?

Posted on10. Apr, 2009 by Monique.

The biggest issue that causes a stir in the lean six sigma world is CULTURE. How to develop the culture and manage the change to new lean initiatives. Sustaining improvements and avoiding the flavor of the month syndrome has been the topic of books, seminars, and forum discussions around the world. As Lean Six Sigma practitioners, you may sometimes feel like you are all alone in the forest of CAVE dwellers. You make every effort to fight the waves in uncharted waters of innovation, only to feel that you just got sucked into the Bermuda Triangle. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s all very possible to navigate back to land, but you have to change your prospective on the situation.

I believe that most of the hindrances are the source of miscommunication. The message somehow gets lost in translation. Often times the receiver or your audience can be looking at the same sign, but are not fluent in the language you are speaking. Let’s say that you did not know Spanish, what does this sign mean to you?

Well, you may look at the color scheme and know that what the sign is some important warning. One may recall that yellow is often associated with a yield sign and make some connection, but not truly understand the meaning of the text.  How would you respond?  Would you ignore the sign and proceed as usual? 

Now, let’s say for instance the sign was posted in a language you understand and have familiarity.  How does your response change?  Is this a message that you should ignore now?

As you can see your response changes because you have a clear understanding of the message.  This is a powerful lesson for change agents.  At times when  you may face opposition, it is important to understand that not everyone in your audience speaks your language.  Lean Six Sigma methodology has a lot of buzz words, lingo, Japanese terms, and statistical references.  It is our responsibility to be ambassadors of the Lean Six Sigma community.  We must make every effort to ensure that the language of Lean Six Sigma is commonplace and take care to explain the importance of the transition and the need for support from all levels.  If you can clearly communicate how the use of these tools will help your audience, to keep from falling on the wet floor, then they will thank you for taking the time to translate the message.

Welcome back to Lean Six Sigma Source! Thanks for your continued support.

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