What is Lean Six Sigma?
Lean Six Sigma is a Business Improvement method, and it is one of the most commonly used around the world. As a result, qualifications and certifications are recognized globally and the training can be applied to any type of business anywhere in the world.
But more importantly, Lean Six Sigma is a strong combination of two separate Business Improvement methods – Lean and Six Sigma. It is the combination of the two approaches which gives Lean Six Sigma its strength.
It results in happier staff, happier customers and significant cost savings.
Which belt is right for me?
The terms and expressions associated with Lean Six Sigma can turn a lot of people off. You might have heard the terms Green Belt and Black Belt – and made the connection to the martial arts ranking system – but it’s still difficult for an outsider to make sense of them.
This guide will run through what the words mean and what each role entails, which should help you choose the training you need.
Champions and Sponsors
The introduction of Lean Six Sigma into a business relies on a number of senior executives to put their efforts behind an implementation. While these senior figures are vitally important for the success of Lean Six Sigma in an organization, they rarely have an operational role in projects.
Lean Six Sigma Champions and Sponsors need an understanding of the key concepts and methods of Lean Six Sigma to help align the method with strategic business objectives. They do not need the depth of training required by Green or Black Belts.
White Belt
Our White Belt training is an introduction to the basic tools and concepts of Lean Six Sigma. While useful to those who are working in an organization that uses the methodology, this course is not enough for anyone taking an active role in projects.
It provides delegates with an awareness of Lean Six Sigma and is a useful introduction to our other courses, but people who want to use Lean Six Sigma would benefit from taking a Yellow or Green Belt instead.
Yellow Belt
Yellow Belts are team members on Lean Six Sigma projects, and this qualification is the lowest operational level of certification. People will benefit from this training if they need to understand the key processes and some of the basic tools associated with Lean Six Sigma.
Although team members working with Green Belts on projects do not need to have a Lean Six Sigma qualification, training to Yellow Belt level improves the success rate and reduces the duration of projects.
Green Belt
Green Belts lead small, department-specific projects or act as team members underneath Black Belts for large-scale multi-functional problems. They tend to perform their Green Belt duties on a part-time basis alongside other work responsibilities. Most organizations will benefit from having a high number of Green Belts in management roles to ensure the culture of business improvement is widespread.
If you’ve completed your Green Belt and want to take the next step to become a Black Belt, you don’t need to take the full Black Belt course. Our fantastic Black Belt Upgrade builds on your existing experience and helps you certify more quickly!
Black Belt
Black Belts take on their Lean Six Sigma responsibilities on a full-time basis, foregoing their previous roles and responsibilities to focus on business improvement. They lead teams of Green and Yellow Belts to overcome complex, multi-functional problems within a company and are mentored in their role by a Master Black Belt.
The Lean Six Sigma Black Belt is one of our most popular qualifications, and our online training course is a fantastic way to gain new skills without having to commit to time out of the office.