More tech managers are earning their Green Belt—not for martial arts, but for enhancing operations.
Though Agile and DevOps dominate software development, they don’t fully address delivery delays, wasted resources, or repeated quality problems.
“If the process behind it isn’t optimized, all you’ve done is moved the problem.”
Marco Steinmueller, PAC Member, The Chang School
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB) provides tech managers a data-driven method to tackle these challenges.
The LSSGB approach integrates Lean (waste elimination) and Six Sigma (variation and defect reduction) methods. Green Belts handle small to medium tasks or assist in bigger projects.
This equips startup teams with analytical skills and insights into optimizing performance.
“Whether undertaking a massive cloud transformation or upgrading to SAP’s new HANA platform, processes are always involved,” states Marco Steinmueller, a senior tech consultant, LSSGB Black Belt Practitioner, and member of The Chang School’s Program Advisory Council in LSSGB.
“Improvement is always needed, and Lean Six Sigma tools prove invaluable.”
Startups may move fast, but without system analysis tools, maintaining productivity gains is tricky.
“Always see the big picture,” says Steinmueller. “Optimize comprehensively, from processes to people to technology, for continuous improvement.”
Optimize, optimize, optimize
Even modern workflows like cloud integration or software releases can harbor inefficiencies. Lean Six Sigma uses tools like Value Stream Mapping to identify and eliminate them.
“Add value at every step, or don’t include it,” advises Steinmueller. “Non-value activities have no place in workflows.”
This mindset applies to any initiative, from launching internal platforms to refining customer support.
In resource-limited situations, common in startups, Lean Six Sigma enables doing more with less.
“With layoffs, tight margins, and underused resources, especially in cloud settings, Lean Six Sigma helps evaluate expenses and determine the value of processes or resources,” explains Steinmueller.
This approach aids navigating legacy systems, technical debt, or cloud transitions.
“Moving old systems to the cloud without optimization just relocates the problem,” he notes.
Back decisions with data
Using the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control framework, tech managers tackle operational issues using real-time data.
“Combining traditional lean tools with modern tech like process mining provides real-time data, not just historical, allowing quick action,” says Steinmueller.
This answers questions like: Are resources being used efficiently? Where are defects high? How can delivery be streamlined?
Deliver faster
Agile teams focus on iteration, DevOps on deployment. Lean Six Sigma aids both in reducing errors and enhancing long-term results.
“It shortens sprint cycles, raises delivery speed, and facilitates root cause analysis,” Steinmueller says. “Beyond retro meetings, it clarifies why issues arise and how to prevent them.”
While Agile emphasizes quick MVP releases, Lean Six Sigma offers ongoing optimization and resilience.
For hardware, software, or hybrid product development, Lean Six Sigma incorporates user needs from the start.
“Unifying software, hardware, and user requirements fosters innovation and quality,” notes Steinmueller.
Prioritizing upstream quality and interdepartmental collaboration reduces rework and speeds up superior product delivery.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement
Lean Six Sigma is both a mindset and toolkit.
“Green Belts are hands-on—on the floor, adjusting, testing, improving in real time,” says Steinmueller. “It’s a great start for those looking to add measurable value to their roles.”
Green Belts needn’t lead massive transformations but can enhance workflows, guide peers, and secure successes.
“One project won’t change the world,” Steinmueller adds, “but it builds experience and momentum, crucial for innovation.”
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