| Many are surprised that Six Sigma refers to their | | | | denotes their level of knowledge and responsibility. A |
| trained experts as "Belts." There are Green Belts and | | | | Belt is simply a signpost along the way showing that |
| Black Belts in Six Sigma, referring to a level of training | | | | you have reached a certain place on the process |
| they have achieved. The term Black Belt is not an | | | | improvement path. |
| empty buzzword nor is it a mockery of organized | | | | A Green Belt is an individual who has completed two |
| martial arts. Comparing a Six Sigma Black Belt and | | | | weeks of training on the Six Sigma roadmap and |
| Martial Arts Black Belt is a revealing exercise. | | | | essential elements of statistical methodologies |
| Just like in martial arts, to obtain a Black Belt in Six | | | | supporting Six Sigma projects and who is a member |
| Sigma requires training that teaches skills and discipline. | | | | of a Six Sigma process improvement team. A Black |
| A Black Belt in both martial arts and Six Sigma is a | | | | Belt is an individual who has completed four weeks of |
| designation that is not given way or can be bought "off | | | | training focusing on the Six Sigma Roadmap and |
| the shelf;" it is something that is earned through hard | | | | extensive statistical methodologies and is experienced |
| work. Also like in martial arts, achieving Black Belt level | | | | in leading cross-functional process improvement teams. |
| is not an end but a beginning. Six Sigma is about | | | | Black Belts become leaders of Six Sigma project |
| continual learning and continual improvement. Six Sigma | | | | teams. |
| is not a mastery of a finite set of knowledge but an | | | | The Six Sigma Black Belt training includes the |
| understanding of a method. Like in martial arts, being a | | | | curriculum of the Six Sigma Green Belt training as well |
| Six Sigma Black Belt is a responsibility. It's about | | | | as more complex Six Sigma Black Belt content. The |
| intensity, hard work, and discovery. While it is correct | | | | Six Sigma Black Belt training program requires that a |
| to say that a Black Belt is an expert, it doesn't make | | | | Six Sigma improvement project be conducted as the |
| them an elitist. The black belt is not as important as the | | | | capstone and final training program requirement for Six |
| practice itself. Black Belts are mentors to others who | | | | Sigma Black Belt certification. |
| share their skills and seek to continually improve | | | | There is an even higher level: Master Black Belt. This is |
| themselves, those around them, and the organization | | | | an individual very highly trained and experienced in the |
| as a whole. | | | | Six Sigma methodology who acts as the |
| Ultimately, business process improvement is achieved | | | | organization-wide Six Sigma program manager. He or |
| through the attainment of knowledge. Since knowledge | | | | she oversees and mentors Black Belts and process |
| is a commodity that people acquire, organizations must | | | | improvement projects and provides guidance to Black |
| recognize their people as their most valued assets. | | | | Belts as needed. A Master Black Belt teaches other |
| Awarding people who have completed Six Sigma | | | | Six Sigma students throughout the organization and |
| training a Belt title is an appropriate designation. It | | | | helps them achieve Green Belt and Black Belt status. |