| Regular communication in each phase of the Six | | | | for the right effect on each individual. The |
| Sigma project is of great importance to facilitate the | | | | communication will have the desired result if it is |
| change without much resistance. Including a | | | | communicated at a time when those involved are |
| communication strategy in the project charter is | | | | under the least external pressure. |
| advisable to provide guidelines to the employees | | | | Undertaking Six Sigma training sessions and seminars |
| responsible for carrying out the project. | | | | for communication has better effect than when they |
| The employees will have many questions in mind when | | | | are performing their daily routines. |
| a Six Sigma project is launched in an organization. | | | | Communication Media and Tactics |
| They will want to know things such as what is Six | | | | Using the appropriate communication media is the key |
| Sigma, is it suitable to their organization and what the | | | | to having the perfect impact on the target audience. It |
| different terminologies mean. | | | | also depends on the level of understanding of the |
| Further, they will want to understand what effect it will | | | | individuals. Some would prefer textual communication; |
| have on them, their department, the benefits to them, | | | | some would find the usage of audiovisual media better |
| and their role in the project. | | | | than textual communication. |
| The answers to these questions have to be provided | | | | To understand the general level of understanding, it is |
| by project managers and Champions, using proper | | | | better to carry out interviews or questionnaires and |
| communication channels and tactics. The | | | | make changes if necessary. |
| communication strategy has to be designed well in | | | | Some commonly used media for communication are: |
| advance, when the project plan is being developed. | | | | -One to One meetings |
| The Target Audience | | | | -Presentations at staff meetings |
| Each employee in the organization has a different level | | | | -CEO memo to employees |
| of understanding. Depending upon the targets of the | | | | -FAQ sheets |
| project and the people concerned, training on Six | | | | -Pamphlets explaining the basic terms |
| Sigma concepts and terminologies should be planned | | | | -Brown bag lunches |
| accordingly. | | | | -Intranet postings |
| Some people may not be able to understand the | | | | -Employee and Six Sigma newsletters |
| concepts in a plain teaching session. Visual aids, such | | | | -E-mails |
| as attractive presentations, should be introduced to | | | | -Milestone recognition events |
| train staff and will also help in generating interest about | | | | -Suggestion and question box |
| the Six Sigma Implementation. Groups can be formed | | | | -Employee surveys and feedbacks |
| based on the level of understanding, and a suitable plan | | | | -Quizzes |
| prepared. | | | | -Posters |
| Six Sigma online training is also helpful. | | | | -Videotapes of key meetings |
| What to Communicate | | | | Keeping the momentum of the communication from |
| The most important part of communication is to | | | | Six Sigma project initiation to the last phase is |
| understand what is to be communicated. Depending | | | | important. It should be ensured that the strategy is |
| upon the effect that the project will have on the target | | | | continuously updated depending upon the success of |
| groups, Six Sigma project managers will need to | | | | the initial plans. |
| decide what is to be communicated to employees. | | | | Sharing reports, survey results, financial gains are an |
| You cannot communicate a management initiative for | | | | important part to keep the interest of the staff intact |
| managers that is of no relevance to the workers | | | | throughout. Regular communication helps manage |
| group with a different process. | | | | change better. A well-conceived plan starts with the |
| When to Communicate | | | | first day of initiation of the project and continues |
| Everything has to be communicated at the right time | | | | through the entire life of the Six Sigma project. |