How many levels of Lean Six Sigma are there?

Lean Six Sigma is a very powerful methodology that applies many tools by levels of training. There are some levels of achievement, for example, White belt, yellow belt, green belt, black belt, and master black belt.

A person who is a master black belt means that has achieved the highest level on lean six sigma.

In this article, you will learn how to become a master black belt by understanding all levels of achievement. It’s a brilliant path to conquer, but not so easy.

What are you going to learn here:

1. What is six sigma?
2. What are the six sigma belts?
3. What is the typical structure of implantation?
4. Why should I become a Lean Six Sigma expert? 
5. Which Six Sigma Belt are you?

What is six sigma?

Six Sigma methodology is a bunch of techniques and tools for process improvement. It’s great to implement on product management and agile productions.

Lean has the main goal to reduce waste, and by doing that is possible to get closer to the customer’s needs creating value. Six Sigma reduces defects by solving problems. Together they can accelerate the process by doing faster and effectively.

Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that seeks to increase the profitability of companies through the improvement of their processes.

Thinking about you and your career, we, at Think Lean Six Sigma, created a FREE Yellow Belt training in Lean Six Sigma.In this training, we will introduce you to the DMAIC method and all its 5 steps, namely: "Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

With this course, you will be able to develop small improvement projects within your area of expertise and work with Green Belts and Black Belts in support of the Lean Six Sigma program.

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What are the six sigma belts?

White belt, yellow belt, green belt, black belt, and master black belt.

Does it mean anything to you?

They are the 5 levels of six sigma belts training. This means that there is some hierarchy on the Lean Six Sigma project.

In order to understand the meaning of six sigma belts, check out which one of them:

White Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma

White Belt certification serves operational level professionals who are trained in the basics of Six Sigma to perform routine actions to assist Yellow, Green, and Black Belts in the progress of Six Sigma projects in the organization, as well in the maintenance of the obtained results.

Being a White Belt means having knowledge of the most basic principles of process improvement, so it is essential that every member involved in the practical application of continuous improvement has at least such training.

Yellow Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma

Yellow Belt certification is geared toward company-level professionals who are trained in Six Sigma fundamentals so they can support Green Belts and Black Belts in project implementation.

These small improvement projects in their area of ​​operation are characterized by low complexity. They have deadlines that usually do not exceed two months because they are quick to implement.

These professionals have great value in the team, just like the White Belts. This is due to the fact that they have knowledge about the fundamentals of the methodology, facilitating the assimilation of the project by its members.

Green Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma

The Green Belt certification is aimed at professionals who dedicate part of their time (usually around 20% to 30% of the time) to activities of continuous improvement and execution of Six Sigma projects, responding hierarchically to their immediate superior (there is no hierarchical relationship between Black Belt and Green Belt, only functional relations in the development of projects).

Skilled in the Six Sigma methodology, Green Belts occupy prominent positions, being able to lead improvement projects through statistical analysis using Minitab software for example.

As companies seek to reduce costs, optimize processes and increase their competitiveness in the market, this certification has been increasingly sought after. After all, today it is essential to have professionals who are able to solve problems at the same time they perform their daily tasks.

Black Belt Certification in Lean Six Sigma

The Black Belt certification is designed for professionals with an effective position in the company hierarchy, responding directly or indirectly to the Master Black Belt (MBB). They are linked to the management area of ​​the organization and preferably provide 100% of their time to the Six Sigma program.

They work mainly in the execution and monitoring of projects (there are cases where the professional devotes a certain part of his time to routine management activities).

Black Belts professionals in Six Sigma are able to solve highly complex business problems with the use of the most advanced statistical analysis (Minitab software) in search of strategic competitiveness.

It is common for a Black Belt certified professional to conduct several projects throughout the year because by dedicating himself exclusively to this, he is able to perform improvement cycles in various areas of the company.

Master Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma

The Master Black Belt is capable of directing Six Sigma strategies in an organization and supporting the Green Belts and Black Belts that work in it, being a key part of implementing the methodology in a sustainable way.

They are professionals with skills and abilities developed for leadership, communication, responsible for conducting projects, acting with a focus on management and business.

Their great differential lies in the emphasis given to the project identification process that will be responsible for the successful implementation of the methodology. It is necessary to be Black Belt to become a Master.

What is the typical structure of implantation?

Six Sigma is related to the engagement of people, so training is the key point of the methodology.

The knowledge acquired is rated similar to martial arts classification:

White Belt: operational-level professionals who are trained in the basics of Six Sigma to perform routine actions to assist Yellow, Green, and Black Belts in the course of Six Sigma projects within the company.

Yellow Belt: Tactical-level business professionals who are trained in Six Sigma fundamentals so they can support Black Belts and Green Belts in project implementation.

With a theoretical basis that is not deepened in Six Sigma concepts, especially regarding the statistical content, Yellow Belts help in the use of Six Sigma tools in the day-to-day routine of the organization, being able to develop small projects of improvement in its area of performance.

Green Belt: Often managers and engineers at the supervisory level who devote part of their time (usually about 20 to 30 percent of the time) to continuous improvement activities and execution of Six Sigma projects, responding hierarchically to their immediate superior.

Black Belt: level for professionals with an effective position in the company hierarchy, responding directly or indirectly to the Master Black Belt (MBB).

Black Belts are also connected to the management area of the organization and preferably provide 100% of their time to the Six Sigma program. They mainly work in the execution and monitoring of projects.

Master Black Belt: they are able to direct Six Sigma strategies within an organization, supporting Green Belts and Black Belts. They also develop competencies and skills related to leadership, communication, project management, and organizational results, as well as bringing elements with a focus on management and business. Become a Master Black Belt and reach the highest position in the Lean Six Sigma methodology!

The great differential in this professional lies in the emphasis given to the process of identifying projects that will be responsible for implementing the methodology successfully.

Why should I become a Lean Six Sigma expert? 

- Employability: the market searches for professionals able to reduce costs and optimize resources.

- Higher Wages: ASQ in 2014 stated that a Six Sigma professional earns 12% more than other professionals in the same industry.

- Versatility of Performance: Six Sigma allows acting in the most diverse companies and sectors.

- Curricular Differential: your resume starts to compete with the best job opportunities.

- Credibility: your resume starts to compete with the best job opportunities.

The Lean Six Sigma Certification demonstrates that the professional is qualified to deal with complex situations and ready to solve them, contributing to the improvement of the performance of your organization.

Which Six Sigma Belt are you?

Even after becoming a master black belt, never stop learning. Education is a life journey, you just have to keep going to optimize your skills to improve yourself and the company you are in. So, which Six Sigma belt are you now?

When we talk about continuous improvement projects, we have several stages that are susceptible to errors. Thinking about it, we developed the Ebook The most common errors in the Six Sigma Implementation, so you know how to prevent and avoid failures at every step of your project!

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