We all know that Six Sigma methodologies are praised widely for their effective application across a wide-range of business sectors, but when these methodologies are paired with great leaders, incredible results can be achieved. Among the strongest leadership traits practiced by Six Sigma professionals, seven qualities stand out most often. For leaders moving up into Six Sigma management, developing and sharpening these characteristics could help leverage the competitive edge.
1. Eagle Vision
Understanding the entire landscape of the work environment while keeping track of miscellaneous details helps strong leaders keep track of long-term goals while achieving their short-term performance standards. At the same time, a detailed understanding of a complex work environment allows flexibility for mid-course adjustments, if needed. Being flexible and responsive while keeping the project on course is a valuable leadership skill to cultivate.
2. Active Listening
Leaders who genuinely understand the role of active listening can engage their team members in more effective problem-solving. When team members feel comfortable communicating insight from their unique vantage point, the leader can gain another perspective which may bring about a more effective execution process or team strategy. Listening is the first step of effective problem-solving.
3. Engagement in Continual Growth
Leaders who invest in their own professional development and support the professional development of their team members create a truly dynamic workplace. Industry relevance and building positive corporate drive is enhanced when professional development is valued and shared. Being an example of positive, ongoing professional development while providing development opportunities for the team can help leaders build sustained team performance year after year.
4. Accountability
Creating a workplace where accountability is part of corporate culture perpetuates a positive employee experience. Being a leader that actively builds strategies and policies that explicitly promote integrity, responsibility, and accountability sends strong messages and sets strong standards for all team members.
5. Understanding Team Dynamics
Leaders who know how to build successful, positive and forward-looking teams create an organization where every person has a place to shine. Grouping team members properly in order to complete project goals and bringing in the most talented people to complement the leader’s talents is another essential attribute to develop. Secure and mature leaders aggressively seek expert team members and are comfortable leading them, even though their own knowledge in any one area might be slightly limited.
6. Analytical Problem-Solving Skills
Effective leaders spend time contemplating details of a situation and following the trajectory of various scenarios toward hypothetical end results before implementing long-term change. Being able to dissect a hypothetical situation and put it back together again takes practice and advanced experience. Understanding how various divisions of a company function in support of one another is an advanced skill set that is usually built over time. Through on-going professional development and executive mentoring, leaders can hone the skills needed to secure top positions.
7. Patience
While patience may seem counter-intuitive in many of today’s fast-paced work settings, it is actually an important leadership quality to develop. Building a strategy that rolls out change in a logical, organized, and effective way is essential for corporate success. Patience is compulsory in this situation. Taking the time to communicate with stakeholders about upcoming adjustments in procedures or products can mean better customer reviews and increased team productivity. Communication and patience go hand in hand toward developing intelligent and responsive processes that can handle the challenges of rapidly changing work environments.
Other Considerations
While knowledge is obviously vital to effective leadership, the leadership traits and “soft skills” exhibited by up-and-coming leaders can augment business theory and other related experience. For those Six Sigma professionals seeking advanced leadership roles, it is important to set aside time to develop the traits needed to excel at higher leadership levels. Continuing professional development and executive mentoring and coaching are all ways to promote the growth needed to keep leaderships skills relevant and responsive in the coming decades.
