Six Sigma: The Sterling Standard of Excellence for Achieving Positive Results

Dione Geiger
Executive Director
Advanced Yellow Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified

Today, every business is a tech business. In all industries, organizations
are faced with fast-paced changes, both internally and externally.
Customers demand instantaneous response, while management analyzes
real-time data as it impacts outcomes. Although technology fuels change,
the goal of striving for excellence and efficiently delivering positive
results remain constant.

Among all the technology-related changes in the workplace, the standard of
excellence and the demand for results are continuously bolstered through
Lean Six Sigma. More than ever, customer loyalty is predicated on excellent
service. Customers demand a frictionless process, both online and in
person. Lean Six Sigma serves to increase value to the customer by reducing
defects and variations in product quality and service delivery.

Sterling’s standard of excellence in applying Lean Six Sigma is increasing
quality, speed, and efficiency for organizations. Sterling Lean Six Sigma
projects have reduced patient wait time in a healthcare clinic, reduced
hiring cycle time for teachers in a school system, reduced employee
turnover in a not-for-profit agency serving families, improved call center
performance in a healthcare setting, increased the number of youth
participating in tobacco-free activities in a health department, reduced
patient re-admissions in a major hospital, and improved the guest arrival
experience at a major hotel.

The proof of success is easily seen in Sterling’s Lean Six Sigma program
results. Through more than 50 recent Lean Six Sigma projects, Green Belt
teams produced an average ROI ratio of 12.3:1, first-year financial
benefits of $1,286,878 and a certification rate of 99.5%. These numbers
compare to industry averages of 1.5:1, financial benefits of $38,000, and a
certification rate of 18%.

Technology in the workplace is producing heightened customer expectations
and expanded data, all at a rapid pace. Analysis of Sterling projects
demonstrates that Lean Six Sigma training enables all levels of the
workforce to quickly and effectively respond to real-time data, improve the
quality of customer service, and deliver positive results throughout the
workplace. Lean Six Sigma is a critical component of Sterling’s standard of
excellence, and the reality of this standard is evidenced by the positive
results for customers and the efficiencies achieved by organizations
applying the process.