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Six Sigma Skills Attractive

in A|E|C Market

ore than ever, organizations within the Architecture,

Engineering & Construction (A|E|C) industry are feeling the

pressure to improve their operational efficiencies and

enhance their profitability. As FMI’s Gregg Schoppman

wrote in a recent blog, “Maintaining pace with the

competition is no longer good enough. Efficiency is

quickly becoming the mantra across construction

organizations.” With this mindset, Operational Excellence

has become a popular pursuit within the A|E|C realm.

Operational Excellence is a philosophy of leadership,

teamwork, and problem solving whose purpose is the

continuous improvement of an organization in all areas of

performance, including decision making, ongoing

investment, profitability, customer and partner services,

and human resources capabilities. Its key priorities are

customer satisfaction, employee empowerment, and

operations optimization. A primary tool in the quest for

Operational Excellence is Six Sigma (6σ), which is

prompting strong interest within the A|E|C industry for

professionals who are certified in this business

improvement concept.

By Sami L. Barry & Wesley R. Miller

M What is Six Sigma?6σ is a methodology that uses statistical analyses to

identify and eliminate defects in business processes and to

measure and improve a company’s performance. Similar

to Operational Excellence, 6σ focuses on enhancing

customer satisfaction, business systems, productivity, and

financial performance.

Key results of 6σ that can be realized by

A|E|C organizations are:

✓ Increased profits.

✓ Enhanced company reputation in the marketplace.

✓ Improved safety and reliability.

✓ Enhanced customer satisfaction through improved

value.

✓ Better use of resources, which translates to better

workforce utilization and productivity.

✓ High employee satisfaction with increased confidence.

✓ Stronger business partnerships that encourage long-

term relationships.

The attractiveness of Six Sigma

candidates in A|E|C

For organizations that are closely scrutinizing their

processes to make them more efficient and streamlined,

6σ certified professionals, and more specifically, 6σ

Black Belt- and Master Black Belt-certified professionals

and their well-developed skill sets are highly attractive.

These particular individuals are

high-performing professionals

who are either already in

leadership positions or have the

capabilities to grow into

leadership roles. They possess

advanced 6σ knowledge and

experiences, and they are

recognized as change agents

with the abilities to identify

inefficiencies, develop and

implement innovative solutions,

and lead those changes.

6σ Black Belts and Master Black

Belts also add value through their:

Communication & Motivation Skills

While their strong process knowledge and analytical

skills are their most important qualities, 6σ Black Belts’

and Master Black Belts’ communication and motivation

skills are critical as well. This is because, many times,

they are expected to simplify complex ideas and

communicate them in positive and motivational ways with

all levels of employees.

Business Acumen & Technical Aptitude

6σ Black Belts and Master Black Belts possess deep

knowledge of an organization’s services and its market

environment and are able to identify current and potential

challenges to drive a program accordingly. While it is

not necessary for these professionals to have

backgrounds in engineering or statistics, they have an

inclination towards data analysis, and using statistical

calculations and techniques.

As progressive companies analyze and improve their

processes to achieve Operational Excellence, Helbling &

Associates, executive search consultants who specialize

in the A|E|C sector, have seen increased interest in

candidates with 6σ certification

and experience.

Wes Miller, a Managing

Consultant with Helbling, works

extensively with A|E|C firms on

searches ranging from business

development to senior executive

management. He says, “A|E|C

companies know that having

senior executives, market

leaders, and other key

employees who are certified in

Six Sigma promotes a strong

reputation. A firm that can

market its leaders and employees as being Six Sigma

certified (Black Belt and Master Black Belt, as well as

Yellow and Green Belt) immediately differentiates itself

among the competition. Six Sigma professionals bring a

different perspective to challenges, and they garner trust

with current and potential customers.”

Miller goes on to say, “Our larger and more sophisticated

A|E|C clients are committed to attracting and securing

candidates who can add dimension to their teams and

are capable of developing long-term strategies and

plans to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. It

does not matter the levels or functions of the roles for

which we are conducting searches. Six Sigma-certified

candidates are attractive for a multitude of positions

because their knowledge and training in reducing

redundancy, improving processes, and better utilizing

Six Sigma Skills Attractive in A|E|C Market Summer 2013 Navigator

A firm that can market its

leaders and employees as

being Six Sigma certified

(Black Belt and Master Black

Belt, as well as Yellow and

Green Belt) immediately

differentiates itself among the

competition.

Sources:

Health Facilities Management, FMI, Six Sigma Online

Authors: Sami L. Barry, Strategic Business Development Wesley R. Miller, Managing Consultant

Read more of Helbling’s perspective articles on A|E|C, Facilities Management, Talent Management, and Career Development by visiting our Knowledge Center.

Subscribe to Helbling’s quarterly eNewsletter and New Search Alerts by visiting our home page at www.helblingsearch.com.

Social Media:Blog: blog.helblingsearch.com

Twitter: @helblingsearch

internal resources and time can be applied throughout

an organization. These elements can lead to higher

profits, and improved customer and employee

satisfaction.”

6σ is also an asset in talent acquisition, a significant

challenge in today’s A|E|C environment. It enhances a

company’s culture, employee engagement, and the

ability to attract high-caliber professionals. Miller

explains, “Our clients who utilize Six Sigma are very

attractive to potential candidates, especially those who

are high performers. It shows that the organization is

advanced, open to change, and is concerned about its

employees and its customers. Therefore, Six Sigma

provides a competitive edge with customers and it

provides an advantage with hiring exceptional talent as

well.”

Today’s highly competitive A|E|C environment is

prompting firms of all sizes to closely review their

processes and efficiencies going forward. As they push

for Operational Excellence, Six Sigma is a viable tool,

and it inherently provides a competitive edge because it

reflects a company’s commitment to efficiency and

customer satisfaction. Therefore, 6σ-certified

professionals will continue to be attractive candidates

within the industry as it is these individuals who have the

mindsets and skills to act as facilitators in successfully

implementing new and advanced strategies throughout

an organization.

Six Sigma Skills Attractive in A|E|C Market

RESPONSIVEMotivation  and  urgency  to  fulfill  your  needs

RESOURCEFULExtensive  network  of  contacts  in  your  industry

RELIABLEComprehensive  and  accurate  market  intelligenceRESULTS

Performance  that  exceeds  your  expectationsRELATIONSHIPS

Consulting  based  upon  trust  and  commitment

H E L B L I N G & A S S O C I A T E S , I N C . R E T A I N E D E X E C U T I V E S E A R C H

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Summer 2013 Navigator