Countering The False Notion That Six Sigma Is Elitist

Too often, when people think of Six Sigma and black belts they see them as having an elitist connotation. The opinion that Six Sigma is elitist or that black belts are elitist, however, are false. In its purest form Six Sigma is a “way of life” for an organization serious about process improvement. It just happens to have certain characteristics that people like to throw stones at. That some people have come to believe this false notion is because they have misinterpreted the nature of Six Sigma and not seen the complete picture.

There is an air of mysteriousness that surrounds what Six Sigma black belts do. People experience projects where black belts are left alone to crunch numbers and work on long projects in isolated offices far from the factory floor. They wonder what exactly happens behind the scenes and not knowing, become apprehensive. This is especially true when they know the outcomes will affect them. If employees have not received any training in Six Sigma, their ignorance about the processes will lead them to mistrust and even fear the Six Sigma project and the experts guiding the project.

Other people have developed resentment toward Six Sigma consultants themselves. Certainly, there are some individual consultants who are arrogant, uncooperative, and insensitive to others. That, though, reflects on that individual and does not represent Six Sigma. There are people in all fields and professions who are not nice or have an inflated opinion of themselves. Six Sigma is not about self-aggrandizement. It is not about lording over people. Unfortunately, some people are more concerned with obtaining a Six Sigma certification than with appreciating what the newly acquired skills will allow them to deliver to their organization. The priority of Six Sigma training should be to deliver value to one’s business and to the customers of one’s business. Training to become a Six Sigma team leader gives one skills and tools, but doesn’t give one a right to be elitist.

Six Sigma is about getting everyone involved. A Six Sigma project forms a team of people who work together to identify problems and develop solutions. Such teams are not elitist teams rearranging the world for everyone else to live in. These teams are serving the organization by employing the skills and tools they have learned to increase quality and reduce defects. The Six Sigma black belts who are leading these teams are likewise seeking only to lend their skills learned through training.

There are plenty of ways to fail and it is always convenient to blame the tool. If you look hard enough though, the failure is the fault of a lack of planning and training. If an organization does not plan properly and train properly, there is no doubt about the outcome of that program. If management truly has their eye on the goals and is intent on providing quality products and services, then Six Sigma can keep everyone focused and part of the team. The reality is that Six Sigma isn't glamorous and it isn't sexy. It is just plain hard work.

Countering the false idea that Six Sigma is elitist is part of ensuring the success of your Six Sigma initiatives. The best way to do that is training all members of your organization in basic Six Sigma concepts can go a long way toward taking away the mysteriousness of Six Sigma and the elitist misconception some people have. Give people the knowledge and tools they need to do the job and they will thrive. Help all the members of your organization understand what Six Sigma does and how it does it. Not everyone needs to go through all of the Six Sigma training required to reach black belt qualification, but there are simple programs you can put in place to help people learn Six Sigma basics. If you look only to the number crunching part of Six Sigma and ignore the organizational and human side, ignorance, and the resentment that comes from it, are inevitable. Including everyone affected by the Six Sigma project and giving them information they need to understand what is going on and how they can contribute will yield dividends.

www.6sigma.us/ Peter Peterka is the Principal Consultant in practice areas of DMAIC and DFSS. Peter has eleven years of experience performing as a Master Black Belt, and has over 15 years experience in industry as an improvement specialist and engineer working with numerous companies.

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My Rented Vacation - The RV Saga
My wife and I have a tradition of vacationing the month of January at a quaint little area in Florida. It is not on the beach where the high priced restaurants are located and where the crowds gather. We enjoy this quiet little RV park that is on the banks of a fishing lake located in central Florida. Several couples caravan south in our RVs to escape the harsh winter weather which seams to get worse the older we get. It is a time that we can relax after the busy holiday season and we can renew our close relationships with our friends.

This year we ran into some bad luck just before we were to depart for our relaxing getaway. The RV would not start and it needed engine repairs that would not be finished in time for our vacation. We did not want to cancel our plans, as this time is something that we look forward to each year. So we decided to rent an RV for our trip.

There are a couple of dealers close that have RV motorhome rentals available, so we decided to check them out. The first question that we were asked was if this was a one way RV rental. I answered no, and that we would be returning in it. They mentioned that they were a pet friendly RV rental agency and did we have pets. My answer again was no, and we would rather not rent a motorhome that pets have inhabited. My wife is allergic to pets. They were very friendly and helpful and seemed to the RV motor home rental business very well.

I was very much impressed when they suggested that we drive to Florida in our automobile and rent an RV unit when we get there. This would save us several dollars in fuel expenses, enough to where we could afford a motel if need be. My one concern was if there would be a unit available to rent when we got there. And being the professionals that they are, they went ahead and made all of the necessary arraignments for us. They secured a vehicle for us that would be waiting, ready to go, when we arrived in Florida, and helped us make the deposit online.

So we didn’t miss our January outing after all, and it ended up being a very memorable occasion. I will not forget our rented vacation. When we returned from our trip, I purchased a new vehicle from the dealer with the friendly and very helpful rental staff.

For more information, try Better RV Rentals

What is a Bluetooth Earpiece
Blue Tooth is unplugging the world, one device at a time. The global technology uses radio waves to connect devices (within a short range) without any cords or cables. One of the most amazing features of Blue Tooth is its ability to link devices that you may not otherwise think would have any compatible features at all. Many major companies are manufacturing products that include Blue Tooth capabilities. Some of these companies include Apple, Microsoft, IBM, Intel, and Nokia. When you attach a Blue Tooth USB adapter to your computer, all of your peripheral equipment becomes connected. This is an incredible way to become wireless, use more of your devices, and save money running your own network.

The range of devices that are Blue Tooth enabled are vast, including mobile phones, PDAs, desktop and notebook computers, printers, and digital cameras. By using special Blue Tooth enabled devices such as an earpiece you can even listen to your mp3 files while wireless.

There are so many innovative ways to use Blue Tooth technology and it seems that we can only expect this technology to advance. It is very cost effective, since many products are pre installed with Blue Tooth. For the simple cost of the adapter, you can run your own network virtually free of any additional charges. However, if you were going to use a Blue Tooth earpiece for the sake of speaking over a mobile phone you would naturally incur cell phone charges.

As wireless technology continues to spread, more mainstream providers of services are turning their attentions to Blue Tooth. For example, Verizon Wireless has now released a headset designed by Logitech that fits snugly over the ear. This makes for instant hands free telephone conversations as well as a great way to enjoy listening to some of your favorite tunes.

By incorporating Blue Tooth in your work office, home office, or entertainment you will derive the most benefits from your applications and devices. It is relatively simple to install Blue Tooth in your computer and create your own network. When watching the latest technological trends, it is apparent that people want simple solutions for their workstations and by eliminating cords and wires and giving people the freedom to stay networked while wireless has amazing benefits. Keeping an eye on Blue Tooth and its applications will allow you to stay up to date with the current technological advances and products.

Find out more about Bluetooth PDA at discoverbluetooth.com - imagine a world without wires

Tripods: Staying Still For The Perfect Photo
When it comes to buying a tripod there are a few things that need to be looked at and checked out. All tripods will come with a replaceable head or a fixed head. Some of the tripods on the bit more expensive side will come with a replaceable head that allows the photographer to select the size of the head that will fit your camera. Some of the tripods that are great for amateurs come with a fixed head and in compact style for easier use and carrying ability. Most tripods that have the fixed heads will come with the tilt and pan handles.

Tilt and pan heads have two different handles attached to them from the sides or bottom. One is used to move the camera up and down and the other is used for the side-to-side direction. These types of heads are vital to the movie industry and anyone wanting to take mpegs with a digital camera. The ball and socket heads work well with still photography and it is needed for a firm locking and an easy give for the use of one or more camera that may need to be changed during photo shoots.One of the most popular types of tripods are tabletop or mini tripods.

It is quite simple to mount a camera on to a tripod; all you need to do is screw the camera on it. Yes, it really is that simple! Tripods are used to keep your camera steady and extremely still. In the photography world there is an unwritten rule of thumb on when one should be used, 1/focal length s. For an example if you have a 200 mm lens, the slowest speed that you should use without a tripod is 1/200 s. Anything over that your camera should be mounted on a tripod for a more clear and steady picture.

Albreht Moy has many photographs for sale at his website.

7 Simple ways to safe Guard your dog this summer!
If you have a hard time in summer imagine how it must feel under a fur coat! here are some simple tips to help your dog beat the heat.

1) Bob The Hair:
If you have a shaggy dog like a pomeranian, Pekinese or any such variation then listen up. Your dog needs a hair cut. The hair should be cut with scissors and not shaved. Do not cut around the whiskers but you can carefully trim around the eyes.The less hair on your dog the cooler he will keep. If you have a short haired dog no need for a trim.

2) Play it cool: Food can be lighter and given before it gets hot in the morning and after it cools down in the evening.Depending on the dogs normal diet, reduce or entirely eliminate meat. Replace with soya, mashed or cooked with meat flavour. When a dog is panting give ice to lick.

3) walk on the mild side:
Walks should be taken early and then again after sundown. Don't encourage chasing, fetching games too much.

4) Cool it: If you enjoy airconditioning so does your dog.If you have a cooled space share it with your pooch.

5) No closed encounters: Never leave dogs in a completely closed space. If your dog is home, Leave on the fan. In a car, leave the window partially open.

6) Let it all hang out: Dogs sweat from their tongues so never tie or muzzle the mouth in the summer. Whilst giving medical treatment see if you can hold the head rather than tying the mouth. If you have to tie the mouth be sure to release as quickly as possible.

7) Do not bathe your dog more than once a month. Soap/ Cleansers strip their skin of natural oils and lead to skin irritation. when dirty you can simply towel dry with a damp towel.

About the Author

Venkata Ramana is a Dog Lover since childhood. Visit his www.dogs-now.com/go/Boxer Dog website and discover how you can make boxer dog the happiest, loving dog alive, Running healthily with you.