Is Sigma Six Worth It?

The bottom line is yes – Lean Six Sigma certifications are absolutely worth the investment for ambitious professionals and organizations seeking continuous improvement. Let‘s explore the reasons why in more detail.

Higher Salaries and More Job Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of getting Lean Six Sigma certified is the potential for higher earnings. Here are the average salary increases professionals can expect:

The boost in pay is directly correlated with the belt level. A study by the American Society for Quality found that Six Sigma Black Belts earn an average of $120,000 per year.

Beyond just salary, Lean Six Sigma skills also open up more job opportunities and increase hireability. Demand for Six Sigma expertise has exploded 345% over the past 5 years according to LinkedIn data.

Career Advancement to Leadership Roles

The specialized training and process improvement capabilities gained through Six Sigma certification enables professionals to take on bigger leadership responsibilities.

For example, 79% of Fortune 100 companies have a Six Sigma initiative. The executives driving these programs – like CEOs, VPs, and Directors – are often Black Belts.

Having Lean Six Sigma skills under your belt shows employers you have the technical know-how to lead projects, spearhead initiatives, and manage teams.

Improved Job Security

Employees with Six Sigma certifications tend to have better job security as well. Their continuous improvement and analytical skills make them valuable assets that companies want to retain.

In fact, the voluntary turnover rate for Six Sigma professionals is only 1% compared to the national average of 15% across all occupations. Investing in Six Sigma training demonstrates loyalty while also making you more indispensable.

Gains Beyond the Workplace

While Lean Six Sigma originated in manufacturing and operations, its data-driven problem-solving approach can be applied to almost any field or industry.

The structured DMAIC model promotes critical thinking skills that professionals can use to approach challenges in daily life – not just to improve business processes. It‘s about developing an analytical mindset.

What Could Go Wrong?

Of course, Lean Six Sigma certification requires a serious investment of time and effort. It‘s not guaranteed to be smooth sailing. Here are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Training programs can easily exceed 160+ hours for upper belt levels
• Knowledge and skills may deteriorate over time without regular application
• Company support for initiatives may wane over the years
• Some staff may resist process changes due to fear of the unknown

However, pitfalls can be avoided by selecting the right training partner, reinforcing skills through practice, and communicating change initiatives clearly.

Is the Investment Worthwhile?

For motivated professionals looking to supercharge their earning potential and career opportunities, Lean Six Sigma certification is almost always a smart investment.

Just be ready to put in the hours to acquire specialized expertise. The payoff comes in terms of larger paychecks, advancement to leadership roles, improved job security, and transferable skills.

Lean Six Sigma credentials signal to employers that you are dedicated to driving business results through process excellence – a skillset that will continue to be highly prized.