Black belt

The black belt serves as the project manager for the six sigma project. Fundamentally, the black belt is the individual who receives the change and makes sure that the change is institutionalized throughout the organization by taking some form of action in the following categories:

• Mentoring. Cultivate a network of experts in the factory and/or site.

• Teaching. Provide formal training to local personnel in new strategies and tools.

• Coaching. Provide one-on-one support to local personnel.

• Transferring. Pass on new strategies and tools in the form of training, workshops, case studies, local issues and so on.

• Discovering. Finding application opportunities for breakthrough strategies and tools, both internal and external.

• Identifying. Surfacing business opportunities through partnerships with other organizations.

• Influencing. Selling the organization on the use of breakthrough strategies and tools.

On the other hand, because the black belt is so important to the process, it is imperative that the individual who carries this title must have the following specific requirements and knowledge to be able to:

• Understand how to implement the breakthrough strategy application.

• Prepare initial project assessment to validate benefits.

• Lead and direct the team to execute projects.

• Determine the most effective tools to apply.

• Show the data.

• Identify barriers.

• Identify project resources.

• Determine appropriate and applicable input from knowledgeable functional experts/team leaders/coaches.

• Report progress to appropriate leadership levels.

• Present the final report.

• Deliver results on time.

• Solicit help from the champions when needed.

• Influence without direct authority.

• Be a breakthrough strategy enthusiast.

• Stimulate champion thinking.

• Teach and coach breakthrough strategy methods and tools.

• Manage project risk.

• Ensure the results are sustained.

• Document learning.