Black Belts are knowledgeable and highly skilled professionals who utilize next generation Lean Six Sigma methodologies to bring about improvements in operational efficiencies, and profitability in companies. They are change agents who lead, execute, and make a difference in business processes, projects, financials, and operations. They are subject matter experts with a stable statistical background, yet a balance of soft and hard skills needed to navigate and execute a full-scale Lean Six Sigma deployment throughout the company. What are the attributes of a Black Belt?

We know that there are many traits that can be taught, but for most, each one of us has a special gift or talent that comes natural to us as if it were second nature. This is where we begin. Through trial and error and a variety of experiences, we’ve assisted companies in realizing that not everyone has the characteristics to be a great, purpose-driven Black Belt within their organization. Most of the traits to be discussed are part of a person’s individual making, personality, and DNA structure. So, is there a list of top ten qualities? Every person, company, and provider has their own wish list and qualities a Black Belt possesses. For the most part, these requirements are skills that can be taught, which is a plus.

Our focal point is on the innate attributes, or the DNA structure, of a great and effective Black Belt. Knowing the attributes and which ones your Black Belts attain helps to add meaning and purpose to your company’s Six Sigma efforts. Through many years of coaching, consulting, and training, we have found that the following personality traits and characteristics are ones that will drive a greater awareness for change in becoming a Integrated Enterprise Excellence (IEE) - data-driven and process-driven organization:

• Fire in the Belly - Black Belts who really want to improve the organization and do whatever it takes to improve the organization. The shared commonality with Fire in the Belly is that Black Belts persevere, execute, and believe in all they do. Simply: They don't give up!
• Soft skills – Black Belts really wanting to make a difference in their organization must possess the skill to connect, and captivate their audience of executives, team members, and customers. The skill of communicating and navigating the no’s to yes’ is a rarity.
• Project management skills – Project management fundamentals and experience are essential for Black Belts when executing and managing the various aspects of projects: scope, requirements, and resources.
• The Big Picture Persona – Black Belts must have the business knowledge and ability not to get hung up in the project details, avoiding analysis paralysis. They must be able to utilize the data, and communicate and act upon the information on a macro-level.
• True Multi-Tasker - With the numerous day to day interaction and responsibilities, Black Belts must be able to effectively manage, analyze, monitor, track and update in their various organizational roles and responsibilities throughout the life cycle of each project.
• Process Thinker – When attempting a project, everything must be seen as a process that has an opportunity for improvement. Whether a process in its infancy or a long standing process, there is room for improvement and Black Belts must be able to quickly identify process instability, make hypothesis, and correct stability based upon the data and its translation into readily available information.
• Analytical skills – It is a must that Black Belts attain good skills in being able to collect and analyze data for determining where and when an improvement needs to be implemented to ensure process stability and overall process improvement.**

**Note: Nothing is mentioned about attaining an in-depth understanding as it relates to having statistical knowledge. If Black Belts have good analytical skills they can be taught statistical knowledge.

In closing, I'd like to say develop the above attributes in addition to other skill sets, and this will help better prepare and propel your business improvement career. Today, take inventory of either your own skills, your organization’s practitioners, or candidates nominated for Black Belt Training & Certification. Begin putting the right people with the innate ability, skills, and talents into opportunities that allow project success in Lean Six Sigma efforts.

Next month, join me as I discuss the burning platform decisions in Six Sigma within your organization, and how to go about approaching and resolving certain show-stopping issues. Until Next Time...

Forrest Breyfogle III

If you have comments on this article, please send your comments to enews@smartersolutions.com. We would greatly appreciate understanding your perspective on this article.

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The Eagles' View: Lean Six Sigma Executive Overview & Goal Setting
January 20, 2006
This one-day overview exhibits how your organization can benefit from our Smarter Six Sigma Solutions (S⁴)/Integrated Enterprise Excellence (IEE) approach, which takes Lean Six Sigma and the Balanced Scorecard to the next level. Leading-thinking influencers and decision makers in your organization should attend this session. Register today!!!

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February 13-17, 2006
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Master Black Belt Training
February 20-24, 2006 (WK1)
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Design For Six Sigma (DFSS)
April 24-28, 2006
This DFSS one-week session is for pre-certified Black Belts or equivalents to learn how design projects can be more aligned to the enterprise needs. This session offers the roadmap to reduce development cycle times while at the same time improving customer satisfaction relative to product function and a reduction in design defect escapes. Get Full Details.