In simple terms, Six Sigma means quick improvement in a short period of time. Incremental improvement will save a lot of time and money for a company. Breakthrough improvement, therefore, is synonymous with Six Sigma. Breaking rules through innovation is a way to achieve breakthrough improvement. Today, because of the lack of an established process, innovation isn’t an element of Six Sigma training programs or methodology. This is a challenge, because many projects are postponed, waiting for the light bulb to turn on. I have been told that a company that’s a strong proponent of Six Sigma moves to the next project after a mere 10 percent of improvement in its current project. This is project hopping and a missed opportunity for innovation.There was an article in Forbesmagazine some time ago that discussed Six Sigma for slow and steady improvement. The article stated that Six Sigma doesn’t create innovation. There appears to be a lack of understanding about the intent, strategy and methodology of Six Sigma. Interestingly enough, innovation is becoming just another buzzword. Fortunately, innovation isn’t meant to replace Six Sigma, it’s meant to enhance everything we do, including Six Sigma. Innovation must be incorporated in the body of knowledge of Six Sigma in order to achieve quick improvement in a very short time.

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