Lean Sigma Search™: Define Phase
Voice of the Client
Just as with any customer-centric Lean Six Sigma value stream process, in order to provide quality service, the Define phase of our Lean Sigma Search™ methodology starts with the voice of the client (VOC). This is the first important step in our process toward clearly defining the client’s critical to quality (CTQ) search requirements and sets the stage for the rest of the executive search value stream process
Defining the Search CTQs (Go to Gemba)
By visiting our client’s site, we develop a thorough quantitative and qualitative profile of the client company, the hiring department, and the ideal candidate in order to best understand the client’s CTQs. As part of this process, we also focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the client’s business philosophy and culture, because studies have shown that the ultimate success of a chosen candidate correlates strongly with compatibility and chemistry, in addition to other hard skill factors. Our very targeted profiling questions are not only designed to identify the client’s CTQs, but also aid in our understanding of their alignment down to the ideal candidate profile. This process greatly enhances our ability to deliver candidates better targeted to the client’s requirements.
Search Stakeholders We prefer to work directly with the key stakeholders in the search process. These are the hiring managers immediately involved in the hiring process. By working directly with key stakeholders, we believe we can greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our executive search value stream process.
Search Deliverables and Goals
During the Define phase we work closely with the client to identify up front the project scope, milestones, deliverables, goals and fee agreements. During this phase we also define the roles and responsibilities of each party, ensuring smooth execution throughout the search process.
Define Phase Deliverables Summary:
- Go to Gemba – Client site visit – Gain insight into client corporate culture = improved candidate fit
- Define candidate & search CTQ’s via VOC
- Define search project scope / Define stakeholder roles & responsibilities with client
