Key Element #1 – Create a Diverse Lean 6 Sigma Team

Creating a diverse team is more than just balancing gender, race, or any other factor. It is about putting together a team of people who can work together in a way that encourages active participation by all members and open discussion of all perspectives.

The best strategy is to look at the process to be addressed and select people from several perspectives related to that process. For example, a typical lean 6 sigma team might include:

• Someone who uses the process
• Someone who is a customer of the process
• Someone who is a supplier for the process
• Someone who is an expert on the process
• Someone who is unfamiliar with the process
• Someone who is objective and can facilitate

Depending on the size of the lean 6 sigma team, there may be multiple people from each category. Remember, too, that most process problems are due to human issues rather than technical issues, so the lean 6 sigma team should be balanced in terms of technical and non-technical members.

The following table provides more detail about each team member category.

Key Element #2 – Create the Right Lean 6 Sigma Team Size and Structure

Most lean 6 Sigma Teams experts will tell you that the best size for a project team is somewhere between three and twelve people. Be sure to take into consideration the advantages and disadvantages of small vs. large team size.

Regardless of lean 6 sigma team size, a core structure of roles is necessary. Common roles might include:

• Project Director
• Team Manager
• Facilitator
• Notes and Meeting Minutes
• Sub-Team Leaders
• Senior Management/Steering Committee Liaison

The scope and titles of roles will of course vary depending on the size of the team and the lean 6 sigma project.

Key Element #3 – Choose the Right People

No team of any size or structure will be successful if individual members do not have the qualifications and characteristics to work well together. Technical expertise is important, but should not be the primary factor considered when selecting lean 6 sigma team members. Interpersonal skills, creativity, honest communication and team focus are arguably the most important qualities a team member needs.

Some experts suggest you avoid putting people on the team who are known to disagree or otherwise challenge each other so that the team does not slide into dysfunction. Others, though, suggest that with a good facilitator and members who are willing to abide by set ground rules, such internal challenges can improve the project outcome thanks to frank and active discussions.

Regardless of the lean six sigma team composition, to maximize success the group as a whole should demonstrate the following:

• Focus and purpose
• Problem solving
• Respectful interpersonal relationships
• Open, honest communication
• Mutual support
• Accountability
• Commitment to the project goals

Key Element #4 – Give Them the Right Tools

“The right tool for the job” is a well-known cliché, but it is as true for Lean 6 Sigma Teams projects as it is for anything else. A Lean 6 Sigma teams projects must have the right tools to do their job in order to achieve project goals.

At minimum, the team should have the following tools at their disposal:

Initial Team Building Activity

This should occur before any real work begins. It does not have to be fancy or lengthy, but it does need to be effective at helping team members get acquainted with each other and establish positive relationships.

Appropriate Facilities

The lean sigma six group’s workspace should be big enough to accommodate everyone comfortably and allow room for other tools such as flip charts, projectors, white boards, etc.

Conflict Resolution

There will inevitably be conflicts of some sort within the Lean 6 Sigma Teams, whether major or minor. The group should discuss conflict resolution in advance and agree on a method of resolution that will apply.

Ongoing Motivators

This can be anything from team building to fun activities to regular breaks or something similar. The idea is to intersperse opportunities to take a break from the workload and refresh the lean 6 sigma team’s energy level.

Support for Participation

Any lean sigma 6 team members who are pulled away from their regular duties to be part of the groups must have the full support of their supervisor, manager or department head. If they are distracted by pressures or resentment due to time away from their regular job, they will not be able to contribute as fully to the lean 6 Sigma Teams projects.

Responsibility and Authority

Every member should be willing to take on the extra responsibility of team participation. It is just as important, though, that the organization grants them the authority to take actions to achieve a lean 6 sigma project success.

———

Learn more information about 6Sigma.com’s Lean Six Sigma training coursework, available as classroom, onsite, or online options.

The post Lean 6 Sigma Teams: Key Elements For Success appeared first on 6sigma.

The Highest Degree

Six Sigma certification has a ranking system that it borrows from the “belt” system in martial arts. A Six Sigma Master Black Belt or MBB holder is an individual who has completed the highest degree of training within this methodology and has completed six sigma black belt, green belt, yellow belt and white belt programs.

Six Sigma black belt is a process improvement method in which individuals receive instruction and are certified to help companies in analyzing and improving their operations. The end result is the elimination of variance and increased revenue.

What do Six Sigma Master Black Belts Do?

With the popularity of the Six Sigma black belt process, certified Master Black Belts are required in all types of organizations, whether it is a product or service based company. They possess the skills to improve the workflow of any business allowing the company to save millions of dollars every year. This is done by creating a framework within the organization that allows for continuous efficiency.

Six Sigma Master Black Belts can also help businesses improve relations with clients. This is because improvements in the workflow will result in improved product/service quality, reduced cycle times, and low costs/unit (resulting in low prices).

Multinationals also require individuals with Six Sigma Master Black Belt skill levels. This is because in global operations, the core problems of the company are hard to spot. But with the analytic approach taught to Six Sigma black belt trainees, these can be easily spotted and resolved.

More importantly, Master Black Belts can literally rescue companies on the verge of closure or bankruptcy.

What a Certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt Brings to the Organization

It is important to note that hiring a Six Sigma Master Black Belt does not necessarily mean that the company already uses the methodology. The Master Black Belt will be called in to train competent employees and managers, and communicate with them in lucid terms the necessary changes to be implemented in the company.

If an organization has already incorporated Six Sigma in its operations, the Master Black Belt will start by selecting the best Yellow, Green, and six sigma Black Belt professionals to create the most efficient project team.

Next, Master Black Belts will work with six sigma Black Belts in leading Six Sigma projects. One of the most important aspects of the methodology is the gathering of data or statistics that the Six Sigma Master Black Belt will observe and analyze to reach proper conclusions about the business processes.

To sum it up, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt is responsible for:

• Training Green and Black Belts
• Providing innovation tools to Black Belts
• Conducting Workshops
• Designing and implementing Six Sigma projects

Who Can Go for Six Sigma Master Black Belt Training?

Usually companies choose individuals from upper level management to go for Six Sigma Master Black Belt training. These are usually leaders and managers who have already received six sigma Black Belt certificates. In most cases, Master Black Belt trainees will have some level of experience working as a Black Belt or other project management position that has required the completion of 10 projects or more.

Master Black Belts are expected to use Six Sigma tools and management skills with ease and develop customized designs for individual companies or specific projects within a single company.

Who Provides Six Sigma Master Black Belt Level Training?

Various institutes provide Master Black Belt Training. Moreover, this training is also provided by the organization to their upper level employees. There are a limited number of organizations that provide a recognized Master Black Belt training program. A traditional classroom approach is preferred for this level of training and certification compared to other six sigma courses.

Duration of Courses

Finally, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt training course should require at least two weeks of training spread out over one to two months. However, employees receiving onsite six sigma black belt training may complete this program in a shorter time.

Learn more information about 6Sigma.com’s Lean Six Sigma training coursework, available as classroom, onsite, or online options.

The post What is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt Training? appeared first on 6sigma.