subject: Six Sigma Black Belt Training [print this page] Developing organizational leaders is what Six sigma's black belt training does. Every core process they are involved with, will go smoothly with the hands on training. These "hands on" change agents are very skilled in the methods, tools and procedures of Six Sigma. They are extremely familiar with DMAIC, or (design, measure, analyze, improve and control) and is fantastic when used for the project process.
Six sigma black belt training typically varies in duration during which the candidate demonstrates his or her understanding of the subject matter, in the classroom, on a project and by way of a written final examination. Black belts mentor and coach the green belts while at the same time receive coaching from master black belts. Black belts usually become master black belts after much experience in the field and further training, depending on the type and size of the organization.
Six sigma training ultimately reveal inherent characteristics that every good black belt possesses. These customer advocacy characteristics include acceptance that the customers is the final judge; always have a passion about your work during the process that is infectious to others; this passion will involve initiative and always have a positive position on everything project related; be a very successful agent of change and encourage and cheer co-workers to achieve their best through the changes; know that highly effective communication skills are necessary for training, coaching and mentoring and getting the message to the audience in a very down to earth way and that success the six sigma way comes one successful completed project at a time; is comfortable being either a team leader or player; never follows, but is always part of every new business curve; has exceptional technical aptitude to urgently analyze data; always striving to get acceptable results while always making every project a rewarding experience for all team members and leaders involved in every aspect of the daily process.
Six sigma black belt training develops or improves upon characteristics such as trust and integrity. Black belts strive for deep process knowledge, and function well when they have diversified their work experience. The most desirable Black belts come with an advanced degree which demonstrates advanced thinking skills, and has knowledge of Six sigma, ISO and other quality control procedures and skill sets.
While most every facet of black belt training is highly successful, it has its share of weak links, in that is does not address the lack of support from the champion or sponsor. Other sabotage factors include not having the proper numbers of green belts, master black belts being spread too thin to actually mentor anyone, as well as poor communication between project personnel and having been handed a pre- determined outcome of the project before it is even started. To avoid failure of the project, it is important for everyone involved to have the same mindset from start to finish.
