This post describes and defines the roles and responsibilities of participants on Six Sigma and other teams, including Six Sigma White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt, Financial Analyst, and Champion, and process owner.
Six Sigma White Belt
Six Sigma Yellow Belt
Yellow Belts participates in and supports the project teams, typically in the context of their existing responsibilities.
These are the typical responsibilities of a Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
- Learns and applies Six Sigma tools to projects
- Actively participates in team tasks
- Communicates well with other team members
- Demonstrates basic improvement tool knowledge
- Accepts and executes assignments as determined by the team
- Performs other duties as assigned
- Participates in meetings
Six Sigma Green Belt
Green Belts are the employees who take up Six Sigma implementation along with their other job responsibilities, operating under the guidance of Black Belts.
Green belts tend to be part-time professionals who assist on black belt projects and lead smaller projects.
They are trained in solving business problems using structured methods such as DMAIC. In black belt projects, they gather data; execute experiments; analyze information, and support the Black Belt in completing the project. They don't typically have enough statistics knowledge and might need help from the Black Belt.
These are the typical responsibilities of a Six Sigma Green Belt.
- Part-time Six Sigma change agent.
- Continues to perform regular duties while participating on Six Sigma project teams
- Six Sigma champion in the local area
- Participates on Six Sigma project teams
- Leads small projects
- Gathers data
- Executes experiments
- Analyzes results
- Recommends solutions
- Supports the Black Belt
Six Sigma Black Belt
Black Belts operate under Master Black Belts to apply Six Sigma methodology to specific projects.
These are the typical responsibilities of a Six Sigma Black Belt.
- Six Sigma technical expert
- Temporary, full-time change agent (will return to other duties after completing a two to a three-year tour of duty as a Black Belt)
- Leads business process improvement projects using the Six Sigma approach that results in tangible benefits
- Demonstrated mastery of Black Belt body of knowledge
- Coach / Mentor Green Belts
- Recommends Green Belts for Certification
- Provides coaching and mentoring to Green Belts
- Ensures that all Six Sigma activities are carried out according to plan
| Role | Yellow Belt | Green Belt | Black Belt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level of Training | Basic | Intermediate | Advanced |
| Project Responsibility | Participates as a team member | Leads smaller projects or serves as a team member on larger projects | Leads complex projects and may train or mentor Green Belts |
| Training Duration | Typically 1-3 days | Typically 10-20 days over several months | Typically 4-5 weeks over several months |
| Focus | Introduction to Six Sigma concepts and tools | Apply Six Sigma tools to projects | Strategic implementation and in-depth understanding of Six Sigma tools |
| Certification | Requires participation in a project | Requires successful completion of a project | Requires successful completion of two or more projects and a written exam |
Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Master Black Belts, identified by champions, act as in-house coaches on Six Sigma.
These are the typical responsibilities of a Six Sigma Master Black Belt.
- Enterprise Six Sigma expert
- Highly proficient in using Six Sigma methodology
- Identifies high-leverage opportunities for applying the Six Sigma
- Provides Green and Black Belt training
- Coach / Mentor Black Belts
- Works closely with senior management to ensure that Six Sigma is implemented throughout the organization
- Develops and maintains relationships with key stakeholders within the organization
- Ensures that the quality culture permeates through the entire organization
- Supports quality initiatives
Financial Analyst
This position provides analytical and financial analysis services to the Six Sigma team. The analyst will work closely with management and Six Sigma teams to identify potential cost savings and revenue enhancement areas.
These are the typical responsibilities of a Financial Analyst.
- Validates the baseline status for each project.
- Validates the sustained results/savings after completion of the project.
- Compiles overall investment vs. benefits on Six Sigma for management reporting.
- Will usually be part of the Senior Leadership Team.
Champion
The Champion is responsible for leading the execution of the entire program. They provide guidance to all parts of the program, including but not limited to:
- Charters or champions chartering process
- Identifies, sponsors and directs Six Sigma projects
- Holds regular project reviews in accordance with project charters
- Includes Six Sigma requirements in expense and capital budgets
- Identifies and removes organizational and cultural barriers to Six Sigma success.
- Rewards and recognizes
- Communicates leadership vision
- Monitors and reports Six Sigma progress
- Validates Six Sigma project results
- Nominates MBB /Black Belt candidates
Process Owner
A Process Owner is responsible for managing the performance of the process they own. They manage their operations every day.
Typical responsibilities include:
- The Process Owner is responsible for helping the project team create the requirements document.
- The Process Owner is responsible for taking ownership of the project outcomes.
- They should maintain the improvements made by the team during the Six Sigma project.
