Another Crazy Idea?: A Lean Six Sigma attitudinal comic

Another Crazy Idea? is an attitudinal comic that uses visual storytelling to positively affect worker attitudes about Lean Six Sigma.

Its goal is to encourage front-line workers to give LSS a chance and play their role in their company's LSS initiative. It helps demystify LSS without resorting to the jargon and corporate-speak that front-line workers simply tune out.

Another Crazy Idea? is the only commercially available publication of its kind on Lean Six Sigma, and the only one suitable for the front line. Until now, none of the 100's of books written on LSS are directed at those who have neither the inclination, time, nor interest in reading. With its comic/graphic novel format, Another Crazy Idea? is a way to engage not only those at the front line, but also others whose support is needed but whose attention is hard to get.

Make it available through informal channels (cafeteria, other shared areas)...give a supply to Belts to use with the teams... discuss it with front-line supervisors and let them use it to talk to their people about LSS.

It's unlikely that any company will reach its process improvement goals without support/commitment from front-line workers -- i.e., those who must change how they work on the process. But how do you get them to even give LSS a chance?

One way is through effective communication, and that's where Another Crazy Idea? fills a gap.

This 48-pg full-color comic tells the story of 3 front-line workers at an imaginary package delivery company that is launching an LSS program. Together, the 3 learn about and deal with the changes. One character has experienced LSS at a previous employer, and he provides his co-workers with basic info on how it works and what to expect. One co-worker is willing to give LSS a try, while the other wants nothing to do with what he refers to as another crazy idea from management. Only after seeing his co-worker use LSS at a company picnic is this worker willing to concede that there might be something useful about the approach.

The story surfaces and treats as legitimate the typical concerns that workers have regarding LSS -- e.g., that it will result in job loss or loss of expertise, that they won't be able to learn it, that it's the flavor of the month, etc.

Built around the psychological principles of change, Another Crazy Idea? can be a key element in your communication/change plan... particularly with the often-neglected front-line audience. Cut through the clutter of jargon-filled email/PPT stop depending on websites that are suitable only to those who have both workplace access to the web and enough interest in LSS to seek out info. Grab their attention with something new and different!

NOTE:Another Crazy Idea? introduces basic concepts of LSS, (process, process mapping, effectiveness/efficiency, root-cause analysis, defects, waste, VOC), but is not intended to teach the use of LSS tools/methods. Rather, its purpose is to positively affect readers' impressions of LSS.

PRIMARY AUDIENCE: Front-line workers in the plant, call center, office, data center, back office, sales floor, shipping department, etc.

SECONDARY AUDIENCE: Others whose support you need for LSS, and whose attention is hard to grab.

APPROACH: Comic/graphic novel format catches the eye...accessible to all reading levels...realistic and instructive story...light/humorous/ irreverent tone acknowledges worker concerns without condescending...emphasizes peer learning.