Improving and Simplifying using Six Sigma

As a Six Sigma professional I have seen many uses of Six Sigma methodology and principles improve and simplify the quality of a process. Many of these concepts are Japanese terms since Japanese companies perfected the use of Six Sigma such as Motorola and Toyota.

For instance Kaisen is a way of thinking that small or incremental improvements can make a change for the better. Underscore the importance of small and incremental improvements in making improvements in any process. Process refers to a string of actions focused towards a goal or end result. Examples of processes are cooking dinner, health and fitness routines, or building an airplane. Muda is a Japanese term meaning waste or any activity that adds no real value. Six Sigma principles fight to reduce and and eliminate waste or all non value steps to any process.

Six Sigma doesn't have to be just about the corporation. We can use these principles to simplify and organize our home and life. Take small steps to organize and improve your household activities. Remove all steps in your process that add no real value to the end result. In another words, if you spend time on meaningless activities that serve no real purpose to your overall goals and well being, these could be considered wasteful and non productive.

It’s about becoming efficient and in busy households where time is limited, sometimes we need to be efficient to create more time to do the things we really enjoy like spending more time with our families. We don't have to use statistics to improve our lives, but it's about adopting a mindset or principles using this fast growing philosophy of Six Sigma.