10 Common Mistakes That Slow Down Six Sigma Projects

Have you ever started a Lean Six Sigma project with great motivation, only to find yourself stuck somewhere along the DMAIC journey?In this solo episode, I share 10 common challenges I've encountered while coaching Yellow Belts, Green Belts, and Black Belts, along with practical tips on how to overcome them.From securing sponsor commitment and collecting the right data to identifying root causes, implementing improvements, and sustaining results, every phase of DMAIC comes with its own challenges.I'll explain why keeping things simple, taking a pragmatic approach to statistical analysis, and involving the right people at the right time can make a significant difference in your project's success.We'll also explore why great improvement ideas don't always translate into action, how to maintain momentum throughout the project, and why celebrating success is an important part of building a continuous improvement culture.Finally, I'll share one simple tip that can help you significantly shorten your project timeline by planning ahead and securing your team's availability from the very beginning.Want to learn more about Lean Six Sigma or need support with your improvement projects? Visit us at www.wave bef.com. Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/Website: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers 

Are you leading your workday, or is your autopilot leading you?In this episode of First Waves for Employees, I share a preview of the Change Your Mind, Create New Results program and explore how neuroscience can help us create lasting personal and professional change.We take a closer look at the frontal lobe, the part of the brain responsible for conscious decision-making, creativity, and self-awareness, and why it plays such a powerful role in breaking automatic habits and creating new ways of thinking and behaving.You'll discover why becoming the observer of your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors is the first step toward meaningful transformation. I'll also introduce three simple questions you can ask yourself every day to help you think more intentionally, respond more consciously, and shape the person you want to become.Whether you're an employee, a leader, or simply someone committed to personal growth, this episode will give you practical insights to help you move from autopilot to intentional action, one conscious choice at a time.Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

Welcome to First WAVES for Employees.Today we’re talking about something many people misunderstand about leadership. Most people think leadership begins the day they get promoted. The day they receive the title, the office, or the authority.But the truth is, real leadership start much earlier than that.The people who become great leaders tomorrow are usually the employees who already act like leaders today. They take ownership, they look for ways to improve things, and theyinfluence the people around them even without a title.So in this episode, I want to share how you can start becoming a leader right now, exactly where you are in your organization. Time stamps:01:15 Introduction to Leadership Mindset.05:10 Ownership and Initiative in Leadership.07:55 Think Like a Continuous Improvement Leader.10:20 Emotional Intelligence in Leadership.18:25 Creating Value and Return on Investment.24:10 Influencing Without Authority.29:50 Investing in Personal Development.31:30 Conclusion: Practice Leadership Daily. Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

In today’s episode, we’re talking about Kaizen-the Japanese concept of continuous improvement. At its core, Kaizen is simple: small, consistent changes that make work better for everyone. Kai means change, Zen means good, and together they describe a mindset where employees, supervisors, and leaders improve processes a little bit every day.But this episode isn’t about theory. It’s about you and why joining a Kaizen workshop can actually accelerate your career, make your workday smoother, and give you a real voice in how things evolve.We’ll look at how Kaizen builds problem-solving skills, increases your visibility, strengthens teamwork, and gives you genuine ownership over your area. You’ll see how continuous improvement isn’t just a business strategy, it’s a way to make your job easier, more meaningful, and much more satisfying.And at the end of the day, you always have a choice: you can be on the side that has to adapt when change happens, or you can be part of the team that shapes the change. In this episode, I’ll show you what becomes possible when you choose to be involved. Time stamps:00:45 Introduction to Kaizen and Its Importance.03:45 Benefits of Participating in Kaizen Workshops.05:20 Career Development Through Kaizen.07:45 Empowerment and Ownership in the Workplace.10:55 Making Daily Work Easier.14:50 Recognition and Visibility in Your Role.16:30 Personal Motivation and Job Satisfaction. Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Feel free to contact Wave team at any time. Check out our courses for PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH:For Employees: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-employeesFor Managers: https://www.wave-bef.com/courses-for-managers

How does someone keep growing, evolving, and creating massive impact across different roles and industries without ever losing their passion for the job?Today, I’m thrilled to introduce an amazing guest from Germany: Sybille Walz. Her career is a true masterclass in development and transformation. She spent many years at Allianz, starting in client acquisition before moving into project management, where she led multinational OPEX projects that saved the company millions. Later, she joined Cardif, part of BNP Paribas, as a Product Manager in Marketing, where I first met her while she was earning her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification, a project that delivered over half a million euros in annual benefits.Today, Sybille is a Senior Manager at W&W-Group near Stuttgart, Germany, evolving in IT Product Management and IT Portfolio Coordination. Alongside her role, she’s tackling exciting projects and pursuing her Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification and I’m honored to once again be her coach on this journey. Timestamps: 02:00  Developing the right mindset when facing challenges.04:20  Overcoming career roadblocks and finding a path forward.06:50  Choosing to pursue a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification.07:33  How the Black Belt added value to an already successful career.09:50  Favorite aspects of the certification process and Black Belt experience.10:25  Applying Black Belt tools and methods years later.10:55  Cultivating a mindset for happiness and success at work.13:50  Career direction: planning vs. letting things unfold.16:15  Personal passions and hobbies outside of work. Where to find Sybille Walz:Website: https://www.meinallergiekind.de/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sybille-w-9b782a103/Email: [email protected] Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/Courses recommended by Wave-BEF:Wave Business Excellence Footprint - websiteCourses For EmployeesFor Managers  Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

In this podcast episode we’ll walk through a simple but powerful 7-step approach that I’ve used with employees just like you—those preparing to start their Lean Six Sigma training. You’ll learn how to identify a real-world project you can apply your new skills to—one that delivers measurable impact for your team and helps you earn a globally recognized certification.This is a win-win approach: you grow your capabilities and career, while your company benefits from real results—and in many cases, your project’s impact covers the cost of the training itself!So grab a notebook, get ready to take notes, and let’s set you up for success.Let’s dive into the 7-Step Approach to Finding Your Project. Timestamps:02:10 Step 1  – Schedule the Meeting.02:55 Step 2 - Alignment of Ideas.05:30 Step 3 - Identification of Further Project Through FACT Model.            11:10 Step 4 – Further Brainstorming.12:10 Step 5 – Selecting a Project That Fits to Six Sigma Characteristics.17:20 Step 6 – Prioritization. 20:30 Step 7 –Filling Out Project Charter Template. Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: https://www.wave-bef.com/Website: Health, Happiness &Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF:  https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet:  https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/ Courses recommended by Wave-BEF:Courses For EmployeesFor ManagersFeel free to contact Wave team at any time. 

Welcome to 6 Steps to Superpower Your Career Development with Juan Steigerwald. In this podcast, we dive into practical strategies to accelerate your growth, enhance your skills, and take your career to the next level. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reach new heights, these six steps will give you actionable insights to stay ahead. Let’s get started on your journey to career excellence. Timestamps:01:45 The Alignment with Your Manager.03:10 Career Development Essential Trainings.07:35 The Importance of Mentorship.08:50 You Are Your Own Brand.15:50 Understanding Your Value.20:00 Networking and Attitude.22:30 Envisioning Your Future Role. Where to find Juan and Wave Business Excellence Footprint:Website Wave BEF: www.wave-bef.comWebsite: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.wave-bef.com/health-happiness-planetLinkedIn Juan Steigerwald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-eduardo-steigerwald-01710b1/YouTube WAVE BEF: https://www.youtube.com/@wavebusinessexcellencefoot1034Instagram: Health, Happiness & Planet: https://www.instagram.com/health_happiness_planet/Courses recommended by Wave-BEF:Courses For EmployeesFor Managers  Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Sybille Walz, eine leidenschaftliche Expertin, arbeitete zunächst bei der Allianz im Bereich Kundenakquise und leitete später OPEX-Projekte im Projektmanagement, die Millionen einsparten. Später wechselte sie zu Cardif, einem Unternehmen der BNP Paribas-Gruppe, wo sie als Produktmanagerin im Marketing tätig war. Dort lernte ich sie während des Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Zertifizierungsprogramms kennen, bei dem ich ihr Coach war. Nach erfolgreichem Abschluss ihres Black Belt Projekts erhielt sie die Zertifizierung und erzielte jährliche Einsparungen von über einer halben Million Euro. Seit 5 Jahren ist sie Senior Managerin bei der W&W-Group in der Nähe von Stuttgart. Sie hat sich im IT-Produktmanagement und der IT-Portfolio-Koordination weiterentwickelt. Parallel dazu absolvierte sie im November 2023 erfolgreich ihre Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt Zertifizierung mit WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint. Es erfüllt mich mit Stolz, Teil ihrer Reise als Coach zu sein. Ich freue mich, dir Sybille vorzustellen, und hoffe, unser Gespräch über ihre Karriere und Lean Six Sigma Erfahrungen gefällt dir!   Zeitstepmpel: [02:52] Mentale Stärke in Herausforderungen. [04:45] Karriere-Herausforderungen und Wege zum Weiterkommen. [10:25] Motivation für die Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Zertifizierung. [13:48] Die Aufwertung der Arbeit durch den Black Belt Kurs. [16:35] Anwendung von Black Belt-Methoden Jahre später. [20:35] Erfolgs-Mindset bei der Arbeit. [23:58] Karriereplanung oder spontane Entwicklungen? [27:55] Erfolge als Master Black Belt und Einsparungen. [28:45] Leidenschaften und Hobbys neben der Karriere. Koordinaten, Sybille Walz: Sybille Walz - LinkedIn Allergiekinder (meinallergiekind.de) - Website Meinallergiekind.de - Instagram   Koordinaten, Juan und WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - Website Juan Eduardo Steigerwald - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - YouTube WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - Instagram Links zu Kursen: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - Website Courses For Employees Courses For Managers Kontakt: Wave team

Excited to introduce our next podcast episode with the remarkable Rick A. Morris! Rick is a certified Scrum Agile Master, best-selling author, and sought-after international keynote presenter. With credentials like PMP, MPM, Scrum Agile Master, and more, he's made a lasting impact across various industries. Rick has over 100 successful Project and Portfolio Management implementations to his name. As the author of four books, including the Amazon #1 best-seller "No Day But Today!" and a regular voice on "The Work/Life Balance" radio show, Rick's insights are invaluable. He's now the National Delivery Lead for Enterprise Portfolio and Program Management Services at Centric Consulting, continuing his pursuit of excellence. Today, our conversation explores SCRUM's compatibility with other project management methodologies. If you already heard the conversation with Rick in the Business Excellence for Managers podcast, then please note that this is the same recording, because I find this content very helpful for you as well. Timestamps: [03:10] Rick’s journey to where he is today. [09:35] Exploring the world of SCRUM/Agile. [14:45] The first steps in implementing Agile. [26:20] Pros and cons of the SCRUM method. [28:15] Agile vs. other project management methods: a closer look. [31:10] Rick Morris: author of insightful books. [38:55] Project manager at GE. [42:40] Services offered by Rick and where to find him.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category. Where to find Rick Morris: Rick A Morris - Instagram Rsquaredconsulting.com - Website Rick A Morris - LinkedIn Rick A Morris - Twitter R2Consulting - Facebook Where to find Juan and WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - website Juan Eduardo Steigerwald - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - YouTube WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - Instagram Courses recommended by Wave-BEF: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - website Courses For Employees For Managers   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.

Today's episode is all about Lean, Continuous Improvement and much more. Mark Graban is an internationally recognized consultant, author, professional speaker, podcaster, and entrepreneur. He builds upon a deep education in engineering and management with practical experience working in multiple industries to apply methods including Lean management, continuous improvement, statistical methods, and people-centered leadership approaches. He has learned, practiced, and taught these methodologies in settings including manufacturing, healthcare, and technology startups. Working independently since 2010, and in partnership with other consulting groups, Mark enjoys working with organizations that are looking for better ways to improve, with leaders who are willing to lead that charge. Mark is also a Senior Advisor to the software company KaiNexus. He is the founder and lead blogger and podcaster at LeanBlog.org, started in January 2005. He is the author of "Lean Hospitals: Improving Quality, Patient Safety, and Employee Engagement "(Productivity Press) and co-authored “Healthcare Kaizen: Engaging Front-Line Staff in Sustainable Continuous Improvements. Both books received the prestigious Shingo Research Award. Both books received the prestigious Shingo Research Award. He was the editor of the anthology "Practicing Lean." Another successful book by Mark is titled "Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More." He has recently published a brand-new book called, “The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation.”   Timestamps: [03:00] Exploring Mark's passion and his journey to his current work. [06:37] Understanding the application of Lean in healthcare and its differences and similarities compared to other industries. [10:40] Example of a Lean deployment in a hospital. [15:40] Discovering strategies for maintaining Lean sustainability in hospitals with high staff rotation. [21:05] Learning about Mark's award-winning books and the process behind receiving the prestigious Shingo Award. [23:35] Exploring the content of Mark's book titled "Measures of Success: React Less, Lead Better, Improve More." [27:45] Gaining insights from Mark's book "Practicing Lean: Learning How to Learn to Get Better... Better." [30:00] Diving into Mark's latest book, "The Mistakes That Make Us: Cultivating a Culture of Learning and Innovation." [38:30] How to combine innovation with process improvement. [40:40] A practical takeaway or tool for enhancing workplace efficiency. [43:25] Discovering the services Mark offers and where listeners can connect with him.   If the links are not clickable on your platform, please access them directly from our website at www.wave-bef.com under the 'Podcasts' category. Where to find Mark Graban: Mark Graban (@mgraban) - Instagram Mark Graban - Website Mark Graban - LinkedIn  Mark Graban - Twitter  Mark Graban - YouTube   Where to find Juan and WAVE-Business Excellence Footprint: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - website Juan Eduardo Steigerwald - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - LinkedIn WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - YouTube WAVE Business Excellence Footprint - Instagram   Courses recommended by Wave-BEF: Wave Business Excellence Footprint - website Courses For Employees Six Sigma White Belt Training | WAVE-BEF Academy Lean Practitioner Training (English) | WAVE-BEF Academy   Feel free to contact Wave team at any time.