Invariably, selecting the right Black Belts is crucial for the success of Six Sigma. According to Dr. Michael Harry, one of the founders of the Six Sigma Academy Inc, ?Training individuals as Black Belts gives them the skills necessary to implement, sustain, and lead a highly focused Six Sigma initiative within a target business area or unit?.
The Basic Criteria For Selection Of Black Belts
The overriding benchmark for selecting Black Belts is that the candidate needs to be the best of the best from within the organization. The selection process for Black Belts begins during the project selection stage itself so that the skill sets and experience of Black Belt candidates are matched with the complexities of projects. Another consideration is finding a suitable replacement for the candidates to take over their current responsibilities so that they are able to dedicate 100% to the Six Sigma project.
The most important and outstanding trait of Black Belts is that they are a kind of dedicated workaholic who are obsessed with winning in whatever area they are assigned to and to successfully overcome practically all barriers to successful implementation. This includes obstructions so trivial and basic as lack of support from Champions and anyone else in the organization, poor project selection, etc. These candidates overcome obstacles even in the absence of sufficient data or lack of Six Sigma infrastructure. The best candidate for Black Belt training is a never say die and never complaining character.
Not surprisingly, everyone wants such candidates in their teams for their outstanding abilities. They simply excel in whatever situation they are put in and get things done. To bring about a process change, to do things differently in a viable way towards goal achievement and finally to change the fortunes of the organization you need these individuals as Black Belts.
Guidelines For Selection Of Black Belts
Here are the key points to consider while selecting black belts for successful implementation of Six Sigma:
1.Black Belts Need To Be Selected invariably from within the organization. Ideally, they are already aware of various processes and the organizational structure and its nuances.
2.There Has To Be A Replacement for the chosen candidate to take over his or her day- to-day duties.
3.Begin Selection Process At The Start of project selection phase itself. This pays off by being able to match the skills and abilities of the Black Belt with the project complexity.
4.A Black Belt Needs To Have Excellent Interpersonal Skills. He is not averse to risk-taking; he is faithful to upper management and is respected even outside his department and by peers too. Basically, he is a leader.
5.The Right Black Belt Attaches His Personal and professional growth to the success of Six Sigma and the organization.
6.You May Need To Convince The Department Head from where the Black Belt is selected that he is needed. The reluctance will basically be because these people don't want to lose their best employees.
At the end of Six Sigma training you will know whether you have selected the best candidate with a long-term perspective whose sole aim is problem solving.
Black Belts For Women
The immediate investment costs of training existing employees may be more than the monthly fees charged by an external Black Belt, but when we look at long-term gains, internal Black Belts are certainly the best choice. Investing in internal Black Belts would mean that the organization would never have to pay for the services of external Black Belts. The savings generated could then be used to provide Six Sigma training to more employees.
Employee Loyalty
Most of the employees who get Black Belt training are likely to be appreciative of the organization's policies and pledge their loyalties for the organization. However, it is also possible that some employees may become complacent, thinking that they have gained immunity because of their past performance. Such employees must be dealt with, with an iron hand and not allowed to become a drag on the organization. Expecting loyalty from external Black Belts will not be wise because it's obvious that their services are available to anyone who offers the biggest paycheck.
Familiarity with Company Processes
Existing employees have in-depth knowledge about the organization's business processes, making it easier for them carry out the implementation work. In comparison, external Black Belts may require more time for understanding the existing processes. If for technical reasons, an organization decides to hire external Black Belts, then it would be wise to hire a Black Belt who has prior experience in a similar organization or industry.
Familiarity with Company Structure
Existing employees are quite familiar with the organizational structure and know exactly whom to contact for suggestions or solving implementation related problems. External Black Belts may not have the same level of familiarity, but they have a natural advantage because it has often been noticed that project sponsors and team members are more receptive to the ideas and suggestions of a professional hired from outside that those offered by existing employees.
Learning Curve in Six Sigma
Although existing employees are well versed with the organization's processes, they might still face difficulties during the implementation process because they have very limited experience of using six sigma tools and techniques. In comparison, external Black Belts are professionals and know that if they do not perform, they will be fired. External Black Belts will certainly deliver the results as long as they get their paychecks.
Six sigma implementations can certainly help organizations to stay ahead of the competition. To ensure successful and cost-effective implementations, organizations should first analyze their needs and requirements in relation to the above stated factors and then make the decision of whether to opt for an internal or external Black Belt.
Tony Jacowski has sinced written about articles on various topics from University, Six Sigma and Information Technology. Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online and certification classes for lean six sigm. Tony Jacowski's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.
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