6 Sigma – principles to live and work by

6 Sigma – principles to live and work by

Once a way for businesses to refine their processes, the 6 Sigma methodology has been co-opted by high-level executive professionals as a way to assist their work/life balance. Can this structured approach in defining what is imbalanced in one’s life also work for you? Read on to find out!

You may have heard about the structured methodology known as 6 Sigma. It is often associated with businesses defining goals or potential problems, and outlining the best practice to attain the most streamlined process within a company. However, the methodology is also highly effective for reducing work and life stress.

Firstly, what is 6 Sigma?

6 Sigma is a data-driven methodology and is used in process improvement to reduce defects, minimize variability, and improve the overall quality of a product or service. It relies on statistical analysis and tools to identify and eliminate the sources of variation within a process, which consequently will lead to improved quality and higher customer satisfaction.

The 6 Sigma methodology structure & applying it to a work/life balance

Increasingly amongst Executive professionals, 6 sigma is being embraced to heighten their awareness of mental health. The modern-day stresses of the workplace, especially for those in high level leadership positions, can lead to burnout.

The Six Sigma structured approach typically consists of five phases: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control (DMAIC).

Using the methodology on one’s life might look like this:

  • Define the problem or imbalance: Start by identifying the problem you want to solve. For example, you may feel overwhelmed with work and struggle to find time for personal activities.
  • Measure: Measure the impact of the problem on your life. You can calculate the number of hours you spend working each week compared to the time you have for relaxation or personal interests.
  • Analyse: Analyse the root causes of the problem. You may find that you are taking on too many responsibilities or not prioritising your time for non-work activities effectively.
  • Improve: Implement solutions to address the root causes of the imbalance. This could involve delegating tasks, saying "no" to additional responsibilities, or simply making time for self-care.
  • Control: Monitor the impact of the solutions you've implemented and make adjustments as necessary to maintain the balance between your work and personal life.

As with any advice on discovering ways to manage your mental health, you should take a measured approach and see what techniques or exercises help you in your particular life situation. If you already lead a heavily structured life, then the 6 Sigma methodology might be just the thing to help you de-stress!

Share

Related News

headshot of a woman

Taking a road less travelled to the MBA

Scholarship recipient Cassandra (Son Tra) Orion details her journey from Arts School and corporate life in America to choosing to reconnect with her heritage and relocate her family to Vietnam. Read the full article of her inspirational journey!

a headshot of a woman

Step by step change through an MBA

Meet one of RMIT’s graduating MBA students, Ngo Tran Thuc Anh, as she opens up about her early career struggles and how the MBA transformed her mindset and enhanced her management skills.

wooden blocks

Finding your way as a leader or as a manager

Leadership and Management is one of the many impactful courses offered as part of RMIT Vietnam’s revamped MBA program. Read on to discover how Dr. Greeni Maheshwari teaches this core course and how student-centric case studies as well as guest lecturers make up the main highlights for the student experience!

a headshot of a woman smiling

Bringing a quantitative touch to the postgrad classroom

Dr. Greeni Maheshwari, one of RMIT’s new lecturers to the business postgraduate program, is, in fact, not new to RMIT at all. With 15 years' experience teaching in the Economics and Finance department, she has made the move to Management since the past year, bringing with her a unique perspective to the classroom.

Back to postgraduate news