Fireworks are beginning to make their all too familiar sound as the 4th of July comes upon us. For some, that means celebrating a cookout with family and friends, or maybe for others it is a time to reflect on what we are passionate about. Our independence gives us the right to choose how we want to celebrate one of the most significant holidays in the United States.
Believe it or not, there are some interesting similarities between our country’s fight for freedom, the Declaration of Independence and Six Sigma!
The Declaration of Independence is a document written to improve the processes of freedom, while the Six Sigma doctrine incorporates a written set of techniques and tools for process improvements.
In a general way, the fight for our independence in 1776 is actually a good roadmap for problem solving, and we can make some comparisons to DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) in our fight for freedom.
Note: this is a general interpretation of the DMAIC roadmap and meant to illustrate just some of the principles of the Revolutionary War and the Declaration of Independence.
Define: This was reflected in the problem and grievances of the American people. They were angry at Great Britain, and wanted to explain to other nations why the colonies had chosen to separate from Great Britain.
Measure: This step describes the current state of conditions and quantifies the problem. The Revolutionary War had already begun and several major battles had already ensued.
Analyze: Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence into five sections stating why it was necessary for the colonies to break free from Britain. Then Jefferson went on to outline with clear examples the reasons for their grievances.
Improve: The fight for freedom was to protest the grievances against Britain and why it was necessary for the colonies to separate. In essence, the situation needed to be improved. This passage from the Declaration of Independence says it all: “We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Control: This phase outlines controlling future process improvement, so essentially this would reflect the completed Declaration of Independence and what it symbolizes. To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
So regardless how you decide to celebrate the 4th of July, make sure you celebrate freedom. Happy July 4th 2018!
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