Lean Six Sigma Training Methods

This is one of the main reasons that Lean Six Sigma training has become an important factor of all Lean implementation projects.

Here are some popular Lean Six Sigma training options or methods that businesses can use to achieve the desired results.

Classroom Training

Classroom training is just like attending a school or college lecture - with the only difference that candidates do not have to pass exams to get to the next grade. Candidates may apply for Six Sigma certification exams later on, but during the training it is not required.

Candidates are expected to be self-motivated, obviously because they have to improve their career profile and skill levels. For classroom Lean training, an expert is usually hired from outside the organization.

This is done because it employees are often more attentive to an outsider, as compared to someone from inside the organization.

Classroom training is certainly cost-effective - but just like any other good thing, it also has some shortcomings. The main problem is that there is no real motivation for the trainer to reach out to the candidates and make them understand the basics. If the candidates also do not show interest, all the effort and money will simply go down the drain.

This is why many businesses offer incentives to both trainers and candidates. The other problem occurs when training is conducted during or after work hours. In such cases, it is quite difficult to get the attention of candidates, because candidates become quite weary by the time regular working hours are over.

Online Training

Online Lean training is the best option for relatively small businesses that just cannot afford to divert their human resources to unproductive activities such as classroom training. Online training helps because it allows candidates to schedule their online training sessions according to their individual preferences and most importantly, in the comfort of their homes.

The other benefit is that online training is the cheapest means available for imparting Lean Six Sigma training.

The only drawback of online training is that candidates do not gain any practical experience - something that is necessary for understanding the complexities of Lean Six Sigma implementations.

On The Job Training

If candidates already have some basic theoretical knowledge, then this training option is the best. It is also preferred when Lean implementations are to be carried out on a priority basis and when there is not enough time to provide theoretical training.

Businesses planning to implement Lean can opt for any of the training methods described above, depending on their specific needs and expectations. The ideal situation would be for businesses to use a combination of these methods, instead of relying on a single training method.

This will help them to derive the benefits of all training methods and avoid the inherent shortcomings of each. Implementing Lean Six Sigma and achieving the desired results will then become a lot easier.