Originally Published 12.27.2016

MAKATI CITY, Philippines- November 25, 2016, Last day of Six Sigma PH’s MEGA Green Belt class, Carl Manning, gained his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification after helping The Results Companies, by decreasing the processing time of reviewing CSAT surveys by 50%, leading to a 22% productivity rate increase - All on top of an annualized cost savings of ₱45,310.00.

We, together with the graduating Green Belt Class, were fortunate enough to hear Carl’s Testimonial, He shared the reason why he went for Lean Six Sigma class and why he pushed himself into his certification. He even shared the roadblocks as well as the small and big victories that he encountered along the way and even left a few tips for those who are currently pursuing their certification.

“Peers/bosses would take time to hear what I have to say or thought about an issue first ever since I got certified.” – Carl Manning, CSSGB

Curious about those Tips? Fret not! Of course, we can’t let the good news be confined to the walls of the venue; it had to be shared. So, further, this article is our one-on-one interview with Mr. Manning, about his project, his certification, and what it was like.

P.S. His answer to the very last question was just very hilarious, you’ve got to see it! Go ahead, gather some tips, and Be Inspired!

     Q. What prompted you to take the Lean Six Sigma Workshop? 

     A. I have been interested in 6 Sigma ever since I joined the Quality organization in the BPO industry back in 2007. Then last year I ran into a former boss, a CLGB, who keeps getting pirated by different companies. He was on his way to a meeting with another company that was trying to get him. It inspired me to finally take up Lean Six Sigma.

     Q. What Prompted you to start your project?

     A. I was aware that there were defects in the process in one of our QA teams even before I took up 6 Sigma but I was not really sure how to tackle it. Finally, with the 6 sigma tools and methodologies, we were able to identify and improve the process.

     Q. What was your project about?

     A. It was the reduction of the processing time in reviewing CSAT surveys for one of our QA teams.

     Q. What was it like for you, starting up and executing your own project?

     A. I was fortunate enough to receive the full support of our QA Director who stood as the sponsor. At first, I encountered some resistance from our QA team members who thought that it was an added workload or that they might lose their jobs. After a few sessions, we finally had a breakthrough and everyone bought into the program. From then on, the process owners owned up to the tasks.

     Q. What were the results of your project?

     A. From the original processing time of 30 minutes, we were able to bring it down and achieve our target of 15 minutes of processing time.

     Q. What was the impact of your project on your company?

     A. From the original processing time of 30 minutes, we were able to bring it down and achieve our target of 15 minutes of processing time

     Q. What was the impact of being a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt on you as an individual?

     A. I heard Sir Rex mention this a few times “With great power comes great responsibility”. Peers/bosses would take time to hear what I have to say or think about an issue first ever since I got certified. It has been a differentiator that I hope will help me in my career.​
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"That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification,"- Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy” 

     Q. What would be your message to those who are currently taking/planning to take the Green Belt Program or those who are currently conducting their own projects?

     A. With my certification, I have colleagues who are now also interested in attending the program. And for those that are currently doing their projects, keep plugging away. There were times that I thought that it would all fail and blow up in my face but we just kept at it. It all worked out in the end.

     Q. If there’s anything else that you’d like to share about your experience, what would it be?

     A. I came to the training program with the childish intent that I wanted to get pirated by different companies like my former boss. Eventually, I realized that it has changed the way I look at things as I have become more process-oriented and always looking to improve it. But don’t get me wrong, I still want to get pirated. For headhunters, you can reach me at carlreffmanning@yahoo.com.​
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​To be certified in Lean Six Sigma, one has to complete an actual Lean Six Sigma project and apply process improvement tools, methodology, and techniques learned in class. "That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification," Tuozo said. "If you attend our Lean Six Si to help you complete your project," Tuozo added.

"If you attend our Lean Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," –Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy”

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