We know Dilbert makes fun of Six Sigma, but the new NBC show “30 Rock” does a great job of skewering GE culture (of which NBC is a part) and Six Sigma. 30 Rock is easily the funniest workplace show (even better than The Office). No, this isn’t a paid pitch for NBC.

In the most recent episode, the boss (played by a hilarious Alec Baldwin) tells the employee (Tina Fey):

“Do you know why Jack Welch is the greatest leaders since the Pharaohs? Because he didn’t only involve himself in our work lives, but our personal lives as well. He introduced us to the finest booze, the most restrictive country clubs. He gave us the names of the most discreet private investigators to spy on our ex-wives. He held our hands during our triumphs… and our senate hearings. ”

It’s all delivered in a Welch-worshipping sincerity. Baldwin’s character, Jack Donaghy, is a long-time successful GE exec who was promoting into a title of “Vice President of Network and Microwave Programming” (ah, GE synergies!!!). Donaghy definitely would NOT think Welch is a turkey.

It cracks me up that GE-owned NBC would allow a character to imply such things about Welch, that they golfed at clubs that exclude minorites or that they regularly spy on their ex-wives. I guess they aren’t that afraid of Welch after all.

Here’s a great video of Donaghy explaining Six Sigma to the writing staff at the TV show he’s now in charge of.

Funny funny stuff. It’s a consistently funny show, in a very dry way.

Other Posts That Might Add Value:

• My Interview with Justin Holland, of GE Healthcare
• Saturday Fun: 30 Rock’s 6 Principles of 6 Sigma
• What is Lean Sigma? Video from Johns Hopkins
• Hey, Reuters, Six Sigma Did Not Start at Toyota!
• "If you didn’t do it in Six Sigma, then it didn’t happen."

Tagged as: GE, Six Sigma, Video