Which is better, Kaizen/Lean or Lean Six Sigma?

Originally Published 4.27.2017

The Six Sigma Guy says:

QUESTION #1: WHICH IS BETTER? Lean/Kaizen OR Lean Six Sigma?

ANSWER: No methodology is "superior" to the other. It depends on the need and how the company successfully deploys the initiative. It is funny that until now, there are still debates against Lean and Kaizen Die-hard fans vs. Die-hard Six Sigma fans.

QUESTION #2: Is it correct that in Six Sigma only belters are qualified to solve problems?

ANSWER: No, That's a misconception, Lean Six Sigma belters are not the only ones qualified to solve problems. Belters are facilitators of the tools and methodology, process owners are the real problem solvers.

QUESTION #3: Six Sigma is inferior to Kaizen because looking at Motorola and several Six Sigma companies, they are no longer on top of their industry.

ANSWER: Six Sigma (even Kaizen and Lean) doesn't tell a company if its products and services are marketable. Even if Kodak produces a 99.9997% yield of films, at this digital time, no one will buy films. Six Sigma (even Kaizen and Lean) doesn't address product/service innovation. It focuses on processes.

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