Black Belts Are Not Just For Karate

Organizations need good leadership such as the six sigma black belts. These team leaders take on the full time responsibility of putting in place all project improvement processes within the company. These special trained leaders specialize in the methodology, procedures and tools as well as change management taught by Six Sigma.

Sigma's black belts are constantly training to improve their skills. They are continually being taught by master black belts as well as teaching the green belts. All Six sigma black belt candidates must demonstrate subject matter mastery while completing the projects at hand along with a written final examination. This quality training and many years of experience is a work in progress to reach the level of master black belt,

Six sigma training has uncovered a series of traits inherent in all good black belts, including, customer advocacy-where the black belt candidate understands that the customer is always the final judge of quality and service; be passionate about what he or she does, takes initiative and presents positivity at all times; change leadership-six sigma black belts are agents of change and are expected to cheer lead other workers through the change process; effective communication skills as trainers, coaches and mentors, with an ability to tailor the message to the audience; Ahead of the curve on new business practice; Understanding that six sigma is accomplished one project at a time; Can be both a team player and a team leader; has a good technical aptitude and an ability to analyze data quickly; six sigma black belts are always results oriented; and finally, they are fun and passionate about the job they do daily.

Other good qualities that deserve mention is trust, integrity, in-depth knowledge of the process, working in varying environments, proven advanced thinking skills as well as Six Sigma knowledge. Also trained in other skill sets and quality controlled procedures, including ISO's.

Some of the things that can sabotage a successful black belt training project occurs when your six sigma black belts get no support from their champion or sponsor, there are not enough or no green belts in your program, your mentor or master black belt is too busy to mentor, there is very little interaction with other six sigma personnel, or senior management hands out projects with the outcome already decided.