Lean Six Sigma is not a 'tool"

It's common to hear Lean Six Sigma referred to as a "tool", as in, it's another tool in the tool kit. This is misguided. Tools are used to make completing tasks easier. it's easier to cut wood with a saw; it's easier to insert or remove a screw with a screwdriver and so on. Lean Six Sigma, on the other hand, provides a framework for solving virtually any organizational problem where the outcome is inconsistent. It's also a mindset which challenges employees in an organization to think differently about how to solve problems. 
For example, observing that motivation and morale are dropping, an organization might implement some sort of incentive program with a mix of monetary and non-monetary rewards. This might seem perfectly logical unless the root cause of low morale is fundamentally dreary work; or a work environment that stifles creative thinking; or supervisors that don't possess the skills to effectively manage people. Implementing an incentive program is not likely to produce any lasting results. Worse, once implemented, morale and motivation will drop off a cliff if the programs are later removed. 
The essence of Lean Six Sigma is the drive to strive for zero defects. While zero defects might be  difficult to attain, the quest for excellence is a motivating factor that can energize employees. Consider the following organizational mindsets:

• “We strive for perfection in everything we do”

• “We try hard but we’re always going to have errors because we’re human”

It’s easy to see that the first one is something that energizes while the second will produce complacency. In which organization would you rather work?