Appendix C
Total Six Sigma Tools Self-Evaluation Form
The 20 Question Six Sigma Status Checklist
Prepared by Dr. Frank Voehl, Greg Brue, and the Allied Signal Design Team
The following 20 questions were developed back in the 1990s when we were doing high-level Six Sigma consulting work with the Allied Signal leadership team. They have proven to be an excellent guide to assessing the sustained performance of any organization’s Six Sigma initiative. By routinely examining and reinforcing the mission with this 20 Question Checklist, clients can help minimize the potential for slipping or slacking in companywide projects. The key is to keep asking and keep answering these fundamentally important questions in order to keep the Six Sigma initiative on track:
1. Do you think the Six Sigma process is self-sustaining in your group?
2. What is the status of your Master Black Belts?
3. What is the status of your Green Belts?
4. How many reviews do your senior executives attend?
5. What are the dropout rates?
6. How many projects are officially completed?
7. How many Black Belts are ready for certification?
8. Have the Finance and HR Departments been an active part of the process?
9. Have you and the involved departments agreed on the guidelines that define true savings?
10. Do you currently have a manual system for tracking the backlog list of Black Belt projects by plant?
11. Do you have the next set of Black Belts identified and is upper management supportive?
12. Do you think you are focusing on implementing project completions?
13. Are you attempting to change the program or staying with the Black Belts’ focus?
14. Should you stop doing Six Sigma? Why?
15. What is the status report you are giving to senior management?
16. Are the controllers signing off on your projects? Are they aware of the savings?
17. If you were to spot-check the controllers, what defect rate would you find? (In other words, how many do not know about the savings achieved by the projects?)
18. What database are you going to use through the life of tracking your Six Sigma projects?
19. What is the status of the Black Belt incentive program discussed at the beginning of the Six Sigma initiative?
20. What are the consequences for champions not helping and driving Black Belts?
All these questions are highly relevant and thought-provoking. And all the answers must be true and backed up by proof, not assumptions, to keep the momentum going. The last question is directed at the CEO and Senior Managers. They need to honestly examine whether or not they are removing barriers and supporting Black Belts in their efforts to achieve financial results. If not, they need to take the necessary steps to do so. Because Black Belts and project teams see management as the motivating force, they are the initiators of the culture change required to identify and remove defects!
Student Check List
Please indicate your level of knowledge and/or proficiency related to each of the following items:
