Overview

The primary purpose of the Define phase is to ensure the team is focusing on the right thing. The Define phase seeks to answer the question, "What is important?" That is, what is important for the business? The team should work on something that will impact the Big Y's - the key metrics of the business. And if Six Sigma is not driven from the top, a Black Belt may not see the big picture and the selection of a project may not address something of criticality to the organization.

The primary deliverables from the Define phase are:

• Team Roles and Procedures Established

• Team Charter

• Voice of the Customer and Voice of the Business Analysis

• Critical measures of Quality and Process Chosen

• Process Maps Drafted

• Quick Wins Identified

In this chapter, these deliverables are discussed as well as other tools and considerations to be successful in this phase.

Project Selection

The Define phase is the most critical phase of the five. As Aristotle said, "Well begun is half done." For example, a great project on decorating the break room may have some impact on morale but probably won't make a difference to the bottom line. Even if the team receives the project from management, it still may require validation and refinement. Leadership can see the direction required but may not be able to define exactly the boundaries of the project. Therefore, the team's...