Once an organization has made the decision to adopt Six Sigma methodologies, the focus moves from the benefits of Six Sigma and its theory to practical implementation of Six Sigma projects. It now becomes the responsibility of the team to implement the processes of Six Sigma – and perhaps the most critical role within those processes is that of the Six Sigma Black Belt.
What is a Six Sigma Black Belt?
A Six Sigma Black Belt is the workhorse of the Six Sigma process. Whereas Six Sigma Champions and Master Black belts devote much of their energies to identifying projects, the Black Belt’s role is execution; turning theory into practice and delivering tangible, bottom line results from each project.
A Six Sigma Black Belt will work full time on executing Six Sigma projects within the organization – managing one project after the next and frequently delivering 5 or 6 projects per year. They will be experienced in the Six Sigma methodologies and the tools required – typically qualified through formal Six Sigma Training Courses -. and be able to train others within the organization and the teams they manage.
Where Six Sigma is being adopted for the first time, most organizations will utilize external Six Sigma Black Belt training and for those looking at Six Sigma for the longterm will look to build up a level of expertise within the organization.
