The wisdom of the coach: A review of managerial coaching in the Six Sigma context

Abstract

This article makes the case for integrating coaching training into Six Sigma activities. It reviews the literature in the areas of process improvement, quality, leadership, and managerial coaching to show how the implementation of managerial coaching training for Six Sigma black belts would have a positive effect on the accumulation of knowledge within an organisation, thus enhancing the potential benefits of a Six Sigma process improvement effort. Current literature calls for practitioners and scholars to address Six Sigma black belts' lack of training in those soft skills that promote success and advancement within the Six Sigma project team setting. Coaching, defined as the facilitation of individual learning within an organisation, is vital to the growth of organisational learning. This paper incorporates current literature to show the inherent link between managerial coaching practice and expertise and the sustainability of Six Sigma programmes, which is essential for many companies to maintain a competitive advantage.

Keywords:

• Managerial coaching
• Six Sigma
• quality improvement
• leadership styles