Reality Check

What Do You Mean, I Shouldn’t Use Six Sigma Jargon?

One of the goals in Six Sigma is to get everyone speaking the same language, i.e., the language of Six Sigma. So you should set an example by using it as much as possible, right?

Six Sigma professionals often make a mistake in this area that results in their getting less rather than more support and cooperation for their projects.

While speaking the language of Six Sigma is an admirable corporate goal, the way this is actually implemented is of paramount importance. If you want to get support and cooperation, you have to start by meeting people on their own ground and speaking to them in their own language. Once you have their attention and trust, you can gradually introduce new language—providing you do so in a way that is instructive, not condescending. If you make people feel as if they are stupid or not part of the “elite,” then they will not be inclined to support you or your project. This is particularly the case when you’re communicating with people who have familiarity with other quality initiatives, but not with Six Sigma.

So speak in your stakeholders’ language, and introduce them to “Six Sigma speak” slowly and tactfully. You’ll get much more buy-in this way.