As a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt and owner of Lean Frog, I am often asked why my website and marketing materials do not mention Six Sigma. After all, Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma are popular buzz phrases in most industries.

I want to answer that question by first discussing what the differences are between Six Sigma and Lean. Both of these tool sets are used to drive continuous improvement, but both attack driving improvement differently. Lean focuses on maximizing customer value by eliminating waste and improving process flow. Six Sigma, on the other hand is used to reduce variation in processes, and it is typically used as a problem solving tool. Lean is a cross-organizational system of improvement that strives to involve everyone in the organization. In general most Lean philosophies and tools are comprehendible at only an eighth grade educational level. Six Sigma drives improvement through a system of experts (Green or Black Belts) that step in to address issues as needed. The Six Sigma tool set is driven by mathematics and statistical analysis which entails higher education and specialized training. Both of these tools can produce results. Both systems work together quite well.

In my experience, I have found that companies benefit the most at first through the application of Lean. This is due to the speed of deployment and the power of numbers. When a majority of people within a company has bought into lean concepts and has learned the basics, improvements begin to take place exponentially at all levels within the company. I have witnessed the opposite in companies that hire a Six Sigma Certified Black Belt to start or drive a continuous improvement program. In such cases, often only 4 or 5 improvement projects are completed each year, employee buy-in comes slow and there is a constant need to manage resistance to change.

Therefore based on what I have seen and experienced, if I needed to fix or improve my personal business, I would start with Lean. I am not alone in these thoughts. In a recent online survey by the American Society of Quality in December of 2009 more than 1,000 manufacturing professionals around the world responded, to being asked what one tip they would offer to manufacturers to ensure revenue growth in 2010. The third highest rated response was, “implement more lean processes.” There was no mention of Six Sigma in the top five responses.

So when I am asked, “Where’s the Six Sigma in Lean Frog?” My response is: Six Sigma is here when (and if) you need it, but first let me show you what we can do with Lean. The customers that have taken me up on this offer have ALWAYS been pleased.