A major international newspaper initiated a Six Sigma program to improve the performance of their production and distribution processes.  They conducted Six Sigma training, established an organizational framework to support and manage the effort, selected projects, formed teams and began work.  Unfortunately, they discovered that the teams were having difficulty applying their newly acquired skills to real world projects and work was not progressing as smoothly or as quickly as anticipated and needed.

ESTM developed a coaching program and worked with the teams to get the program back on track.  We  mentored the teams in the practical application of Six Sigma techniques and helped them overcome roadblocks, without compromising their independence or responsibility.  This subtle approach was designed to provide the teams with the confidence and pragmatic knowledge they needed to progress their activities, and to help them develop the skills required to ensure that they would be able to independently undertake new projects in the future without our assistance. 

The approach was very successful on both levels:  the initial projects produced substantial cost savings and quality improvements, and subsequent projects have progressed smoothly and have continued to generate meaningful results.