Limitations of Six Sigma

One of many challenges of the fact-driven process of identifying a problem and working in the direction of a solution is it tends to leave out an essential component: humans—and more important, how humans impact and work through different obstacles. At times it is often useful to give employees a possiblity to handle issues head-on before buying a complete detailed overhaul.

The basic way of Six Sigma can be somewhat constraining occasionally, especially within organizations or professions that rely on creativity. Employees who crave the flexibility to toss care (and sometimes reaction) to wind in an effort to innovate could find the Six Sigma process stifling.

Six Sigma training also would not formally allow for the introduction of new tools or methods, even when they are often beneficial. Since Half a dozen Sigma generally requires total dedication across all teams, it is very difficult to use or experiment with other process strategies for other locations of the firm.