| As the Lean Six Sigma transformation effort begins, it | | | | In the 1932 World Series, in Game 3 at Wrigley Field in |
| is important automatically plan for initial wins. This is | | | | Chicago, Babe Ruth, the noted home run hitter for the |
| important, since initial wins: | | | | visiting New York Yankees was at bat in the fifth |
| - Provide a focal point regarding the effort. "We began | | | | inning. After a called second strike, Ruth pointed to the |
| our effort here and gained these results." | | | | bleachers in deep center field where no one had hit a |
| - Generate enthusiasm. In sports, it is often critical to | | | | home run before, gesturing that that is where he would |
| get the fans in the crowd excited and cheering at the | | | | hit the ball on the next pitch. On the subsequent pitch, |
| very start of the contest. Change efforts are no | | | | Ruth hit the ball deep in to the second tier stands in |
| different. | | | | center field. What are the attributes of the Babe Ruth |
| - Prove that concept will work here. There are reams | | | | Test? |
| and reams of data and case studies that Lean Six | | | | |
| Sigma works successfully in every industry in which it | | | | 1. The goal is clearly defined. A home run in deep |
| is utilized. Initial wins prove that the concepts will work | | | | center field. |
| at this company at this time. | | | | 2. The timeframe is set. Here it was on the next pitch. |
| - Hit the bottom line. Few companies engage in a Lean | | | | 3. It is publically stated. Ruth did it from home plate in |
| Six Sigma change effort out of altruism. There is | | | | the middle of the game. |
| typically a "burning bridge" that needs to be addressed. | | | | 4. It is successfully executed. Ruth hit the ball exactly |
| Initial wins can help address that need from the onset. | | | | where he said he would. |
| - Get management involved early. Planning for a win | | | | 5. The success had an impact. He scored a run and |
| causes management to commit the necessary | | | | the Yankees went on to win the game and the series. |
| resources to the effort rather than going through the | | | | 6. The success generates momentum. The Cubs |
| motions of support. It also silences the critics that sa | | | | pitcher pitched a subsequent home run ball to the next |
| that management is not behind the effort. | | | | Yankee at bat, Lou Gehrig, on the very next pitch. |
| What is the definition of a initial win? An initial win is a | | | | These two runs were the margin of victory for the |
| completed project that meets the following criteria: | | | | Yankees (they won the game 7 - 5). |
| - It meets or exceeds the initial target goals. | | | | 7. There is an element of risk involved. Ruth hit two |
| - It does it in the set timeframe. | | | | home runs in a game that included multiple times at bat |
| - It utilizes the new change methodology, in whole or in | | | | and many pitches. Hitting a home run on a specific |
| part. | | | | pitch, in a foreign stadium, in front of very vocal |
| - It was clearly targeted initially and communicated | | | | hometown fans, in a pressure-packed situation (the |
| throughout the organization. (In other word, it was not a | | | | World Series) is indeed extremely difficult. |
| stealth project that only surfaces when it became | | | | In our next article, we will discuss several critical points |
| successful. Initial wins must be projects that pass the | | | | that need to be fulfilled to generate initial breakthrough |
| Babe Ruth test. | | | | successes. |
| The Babe Ruth Test | | | | |