Don't Just Talk the Talk

Abstract

Many companies and organizations talk big about knowing the best way other businesses and groups can work to drive continuous and process improvement. Once in a while, however, a group comes along that can walk the talk. The Joint Commission has proven it can do just that. Recently, the not-for-profit organization, based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL, developed its own Green Belt and Black Belt training program and kicked off internal improvement projects. The Joint Commission staff wanted to use lean and Six Sigma to be more efficient, lower costs and operate better, said Rick Morrow, director of business excellence. The first five internal projects the Joint Commission worked on were: 1. improving the standards development process, 2. standards integration speed, 3. surveyor scheduling changes, 4. safety products value sharing, and 5. consistency of standards interpretation. The Joint Commission is committed to internal lean Six Sigma projects over the long term.