Six Sigma vs. Innovation: Have Your Cake and Eat it Too

A common source of angst in management circles is the pressure from above to operate efficiently, while also encouraging innovation. At first glance, efficiency and innovation appear to be at odds. Efficiency, often driven by outputs of the quality movement such as Six Sigma, demands streamlined processes, continuous improvement, and very few errors. When implemented effectively, Six Sigma greatly reduces risk. On the contrary, innovation often takes a disruptive role, at least in its infancy. In order to innovate, one must embrace change and risk – in hopes of unleashing untapped potential within an organization.

Jeneanne Ray takes a look at how business leaders and change agents can effectively incorporate both efficiency and innovation into their pursuits here.

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