More than ever, A|E|C organizations are under pressure to streamline operations and enhance profitability. Operational Excellence is a popular pursuit for both large and small organizations, and Six Sigma is a strategic tool in achieving this goal. Professionals who are certified in this business improvement concept are increasingly in demand for various roles. This article discusses Six Sigma and the traits of certified professionals that make them highly attractive to progressive A|E|C firms.

1. Construction Real Estate EngineeringFacilities
R E T A I N E D E X E C U T I V E S E A R C H
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.

2. 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.

3. Sources:
Health Facilities Management, FMI, Six Sigma Online
Authors:
Sami L. Barry, Strategic Business Development
Wesley R. Miller, Managing Consultant
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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
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Summer 2013 Navigator