Manufacturing companies have been using methods and techniques to improve productivity for many decades. However, the health care system, as any structure providing services, has its own product system, which can also be improved. The principles of Six Sigma can also be applied to this area, although health care professionals are knowledge workers (Kros & Rosenthal, 2015). The main goal of this technique is “is to reduce variation and improve quality” (Kros & Rosenthal, 2015, p. 360). In particular, the Six Sigma approach uses advanced statistical methods, integrating them into the management system with a focus on rational decision-making processes (Evans & Lindsay, 2015). Thus, the ultimate goal is to create the production process as free from defects and errors as possible. Six Sigma also has certification levels that match the holder’s managerial skills and position within the organization.
Six Sigma certification levels reflect the experience of implementing the principles of quality improvement within the company’s processes. In particular, the entry-level white belt identifies that the holder has completed entry-level training. A yellow belt indicates that the professional has been involved in supporting the implementation of Six Sigma principles in the organization’s projects. It is noteworthy that Six Sigma certification levels are not unified, and each organization can set its own criteria for employees. Moreover, various organizations offer training in the principles of Six Sigma to achieve a certain belt level. Higher levels of certification require independent practical work on the integration of the principles of methodology and project implementation.
Most significantly within the consideration of Six Sigma certification is the distribution of roles within the team based on their expertise. In particular, professionals with the skills and knowledge of this technique function as a team when working on projects and perform certain roles. For example, the role of a black belt is defined as a staff quality expert and a green belt as a team leader (Evans & Lindsay, 2015). Although there is no unified set of skills, a Six Sigma project manager must have all the skills to plan and control the execution of a project.
Six Sigma quality improvement skills within healthcare administration activities have a number of important benefits for professionals. In particular, the principles of this methodology allow improving the quality of care patient safety, minimizing the number of errors, and expanding opportunities for leadership. As part of my envisioned future role in healthcare administration, the initial green belt certification level will allow me to improve my position significantly. I will be able to apply Six Sigma skills and knowledge to project team management and leadership training.
As I develop as a leader and manager within teams, I will strive to acquire a black belt. The main advantage of this level of certification is the opportunity to participate in the training of younger professionals. In particular, I will be able to oversee the implementation of Six Sigma principles within healthcare administration projects and develop the skills of subordinates. For a leader, these opportunities are extremely important, as they allow them to actively participate in the professional development of subordinates and improve the healthcare system.
Finally, as part of my future role in healthcare administration, my goal is to acquire a master black belt certification. This level of expertise will allow me to have sufficient knowledge for holistic team management. I will be able to effectively allocate tasks and responsibilities to team members, as well as shape the team dynamics for its growth and successful completion of projects. Most importantly, this level of certification will allow me to leverage the skills and abilities of team members for the most efficient projects completion and implementation.
References
Evans, J. R., & Lindsay, W. M. (2015). An introduction to Six Sigma & process improvement (2nd ed.). Cengage Learning.
Kros, J. F., & Rosenthal, D. A. (2015). Statistics for health care management and administration: Working with Excel. Jossey-Bass.