12 Traits of an Outstanding Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Posted by on Jun 23, 2011 in Lean Six Sigma | 1 comment

All of us have our strengths and weaknesses and no one can do everything.  All of us can learn and improve our skills.  The following is my list of attributes or characteristics of an outstanding Black Belt.  You may have others and I’d love to hear from you and learn what you would add.  Here’s my list:
  1. Good communicator both oral and written.  A BB has to lead project teams and communicate with all levels of management.  Must keep project sponsors and champions informed of the project status.
  2. Must be extremely organized.  Must be good at project management and establish and stick to project schedules.
  3. Hands on.  Must be able to walk the process and identify areas of waste.  Must be able to collect, analyze data, and come up with the most effective, least cost solution.
  4. Analytical.  Must be able to use the correct tools to determine root cause, reduce variation, or improve efficiency.
  5. Motivator of others.  Must be able to work with project teams and get things done in a timely manner.
  6. Persistence.  Must set a direction, stick to it and not give up.
  7. Resolve conflicts.  Not everyone will get along and there may be conflict from time to time.  A BB must be able to resolve these issues and keep the team moving in the right direction.
  8. Dealing with change.  Must be a change agent and deal with those that are resistant to change.
  9. Be able to work with other staff areas.  Must be able to work with finance and other staff areas to evaluate savings and project benefits and lead cross-functional project teams.
  10. Teacher.  Must be able to teach and train project team members in the methodology and Lean Six Sigma tools.
  11. Life-long learner.  Must continue to grow, learn, and improve their Lean Six Sigma skills.
  12. Support others.  Must give credit to others and support their growth as team members.

One Response to “12 Traits of an Outstanding Lean Six Sigma Black Belt”

  1. I'm six sigma green belt and hoping to become a six sigma black belt in the future. But now I'm enjoying this post and want to achieve my goals in life. Thank you Jim.

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