I Slipped and Fell Into Six Sigma: Now What?
I Slipped and Fell Into Six Sigma: Now What?
By Rex Tuozo, "The Six Sigma Guy"
Maybe you didn't plan for a career in Six Sigma—but here you are! You have an unexpected but exciting opportunity. Now, the real question is: What will you do with it?
It often starts simply: "You're good at organizing and solving problems—can you handle this project?" You agreed, thinking it's just a short-term task. Fast forward a few months, and now you have "Six Sigma" in your job title.
You didn't choose Six Sigma, but it chose you. Here are some practical tips to help you succeed and thrive, especially if you're in the service industry:
Grow Your Network Intentionally
In Six Sigma, relationships matter as much as skills. Building your network strategically can help you succeed faster:
Find key leaders who will support and champion your Six Sigma projects.
Connect with experts who deeply understand the processes you're improving.
Seek peers in the Six Sigma community who can share experiences and advice.
Simple ways to build your network:
Attend company-wide meetings to understand issues and propose solutions clearly.
Schedule casual coffee chats or virtual meet-ups to understand business goals.
Join Six Sigma groups and forums, both online and offline, to gain more insights.
The stronger your network, the more you'll be seen as a trusted advisor who adds value.
Build Your Credibility Through Real Results
Your reputation grows not from certifications alone but from delivering clear results:
Clearly identify the problems and goals your organization cares about.
Collect accurate data—don't guess, always validate.
Talk directly with people affected by the processes. Empathy helps you understand real-world challenges.
Once you have clear insights, create practical solutions:
Quick wins using Lean approaches for immediate improvements.
Targeted DMAIC projects for bigger, long-term impact.
Regular check-ins and audits to sustain improvements.
Always communicate your successes. Clearly show cost savings, improved efficiency, and quality improvements. Let your results tell your story.
Keep Growing, Never Stop Learning
Continuous growth is vital in Six Sigma. If you find yourself saying, "I can't do this," simply add the word "yet." This small mindset shift opens doors for learning and growth.
Recommended reading for beginners:
Influencer: The Power to Change Anything by Kerry Patterson
"A Passion for Success" by Kazuo Inamori
For more advanced learners:
"Lean Thinking" by James Womack and Daniel Jones
Other ways to grow:
Join international Six Sigma conferences and workshops.
Find mentors who can guide you through challenging projects.
Read Six Sigma academic journals
Try out new software tools for data analysis and visualization.
Follow Six Sigma experts online to stay updated and inspired.
The more you invest in your growth, the greater your impact will be.
Final Thoughts
You might not have expected this career, but Six Sigma is an incredible opportunity. Embrace it by intentionally growing your network, delivering real results, and continuously learning.
You don't need to know everything at once—just stay curious, keep learning, and always deliver value.
So, now that you're here, what impact will you choose to make?
Your friend, fellow learner, and Six Sigma Coach,
Rex Tuozo
“The Six Sigma Guy”
