Don’t bite off more than you can chew, and really understand the methodology before attempting a large Six Sigma project. Those are the first words of advice for a Six Sigma novice from Six Sigma Master Black Belt John Vandenbemden.
“My suggestion is always go after something smaller to start with,” explains Vandenbemden, also an ASQ board member. “Help your team members understand how the tools work, how the methodology works. It also gives you a chance to identify which tools you prefer, so you can try different ones. Then go after a larger, more complex problem. Because if you start with a complex project and you get bogged down, or if it takes too long, or if people are looking for immediate results, many times it kills the program.”