subject: Six Sigma Also Trains Black Belts [print this page] 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.
Six sigma black belt training typically varies in its duration during which the candidate demonstrates his or her mastery of the subject matter through completion of a project and a written final examination. Black belts coach green belts while at the same time receive coaching from master black belts. Black belts usually become master black belts after the many years of experience and further training.
Good black belts are discovered by the series of traits that the Six Sigma training will bring out in each trainee. These traits include customer advocacy - the ability to see that the customer is the final quality and service judge; they always passionately take the initiative and are positive at all times; change leadership - or rather agents of change as well as being a necessary cheerleader for any change needed; possess very effective communication skills as any good trainer, coach or mentor would be expected to have, while always being in front of any new business practices, so nothing comes as a surprise. Other valuable black belt traits include be not just a team leader but player as well; making sure is project is finished before moving on to the next; quick aptitude skills to analyze technical data; always being oriented towards superb results and finally having fun with and being passionate about their jobs.
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.
As with all training, there are weak points that can easily sabotage the success of a black belt training project. These would include the black belts having no green belts to train; not having the necessary support from a sponsor; no mentors or master black belts available; six sigma personnel experience very little interaction; or the project outcome is already predetermined by senior management.
