If you are interested in obtaining a certification as a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, it is important to learn and understand exactly what the designation is all about.
First, let’s start with a definition of the role. A Six Sigma Master Black Belt is the highest level of certification related to the Six Sigma improvement process methodology. Master Black Belts are experienced in handling complex business practices, implementing specialized programs in micro and macro organizations, and moving smoothly and quickly between various aspects within organizations. Master Black Belts are the individuals within the organization who are responsible for teaching Black, Green, and Yellow Belts the Six Sigma methodologies. They are also responsible for organizing Six Sigma projects within the organization.
Master Black Belts are also mentors, as they have knowledge that other professionals within the organization may need. They will be required to share their knowledge and answer questions that are pertinent to their job responsibilities. With these responsibilities, it is important for Master Black Belts to possess strong leadership, interpersonal and statistical skills. With the diverse set of skills that are present in most Master Black Belts, organizations employ their services to accurately and efficiently implement large-scale improvement projects that will potentially improve the processes within the organization and save up to millions of dollars annually.
Master Black Belts also help improve the processes within an organization by conveying their knowledge and teaching other individuals proper process improvement skills. As they teach other individuals the Six Sigma methodologies, those individuals are incorporating their fresh Six Sigma knowledge into their current job responsibilities and their assigned Six Sigma projects, which leads to additional process improvement and savings.
Master Black Belts receive in-depth training on Six Sigma statistical tools and the process improvement methodologies. As they obtain this knowledge, they are generally expected to share that knowledge by teaching other individuals how to perform the functions of a Six Sigma project. Depending on the level of training given by the Master Black Belts, the trained individuals can earn their Black, Green, or Yellow Belts. Master Black Belts also coach these new Six Sigma professionals during their first few projects and then remain available to provide them with guidance when needed.
When Master Black Belts are not teaching, they are organizing and overseeing the company’s Six Sigma projects. Organization of Six Sigma projects is typically executed by:
- establishing and following project schedules
- estimating, validating, and measuring organizational project savings
- gathering, monitoring, and analyzing project team activities
- resolving conflicts within the teams and with project customers, vendors and stakeholders
- communicating on a regular basis with the Project Champion and the organization’s leadership and executive team
- promoting and celebrating the success of the project teams
Becoming a Six Sigma Master Black Belt requires a great deal of determination and strong soft skills. If the Master Black Belt role sounds interesting to you, you can find more information about the role and certification on these pages:
• Thinking About Getting a Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Online?
• Six Sigma Training & Belt Levels
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt Job Profile
Are you a Master Black Belt? Are you thinking about getting certified? If so, share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
