EP032: Investing in and Executing Continuous Improvement Projects Using Lean Six Sigma with Kimberly Watson-Hemphill of Firefly Consulting

Improving business processes can be a difficult task if management approaches it without first determining the needs of the stakeholders. Gathering information from this group will help the improvement team to understand what drives your business's profit and loss. From there, creating baseline metrics will help the team to measure their progress towards improving processes. The Lean Six Sigma framework takes all of this into consideration when assisting companies with doing what they already do, only better. Kimberly Watson-Hemphill of Firefly Consulting talks with Tim about the commitment needed for a company to reach peak efficiency, implement continuous improvement and sustain the benefits of these important qualities over the long-term.   Key Takeaways: [1:05] Helping companies do what they do, even better! [2:54] What are the symptoms I need to look for if I think my business needs improvement? [4:28] What drives revenue and profit? [7:17] Empowering employees to make decisions. [12:06] Good old fashioned communication makes everything better. [13:44] Lean Six Sigma gives the team tools and a framework. [15:47] Solving a problem with recruiting - a real life example. [21:10] When Lean Six Sigma is implemented it is a win for everyone. [23:10] Linking continuous improvement to all important business problems. [24:31] Define, measure, analyze, improve and control. [27:41] Stakeholder analysis! [30:39] Contact information for Kimberly.   Mentions: Firefly Consulting Praxent Lean Six Sigma Smart Tribes Innovating Lean Six Sigma book Kimberly Watson-Hemphill