What is Lean Six Sigma? Certifications, belts, principles, examples

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a robust methodology that combines Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to optimize business processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. It originated from the Toyota Production System and Motorola's quality improvement efforts, focusing on delivering superior customer value by minimizing defects and variability. Widely adopted across industries, LSS is particularly relevant in product management, where its principles support customer-centric approaches, waste elimination, process optimization, and data-driven decision-making. The methodology fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging organizations to strive for excellence and adapt to change. LSS practitioners are categorized by belt colors, indicating their expertise levels and responsibilities, and obtaining certification involves goal-setting, comprehensive training, practical application, and passing an exam. Real-world examples include Zoom's automation of order processes and Myndshft's improved customer onboarding, illustrating how LSS principles can enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Pursuing LSS certification can empower product managers to lead process improvement projects and optimize operations effectively.