Six Sigma is a continuous procedure, which can help companies reduce the over all expenses and expenditures, and increase profits by streamlining operations, improving quality and eliminating all the problem areas. Not only does Six Sigma benefit an organization, but also the organization can benefit Six Sigma by managing it. Management must be led by highly qualified and trained individuals.

Managing a Six Sigma team is not an easy task and it is fairly impossible for a single person to manage a Six Sigma project on their own. Six Sigma is a team process that requires teamwork at most levels. Managing a Six Sigma team starts from the uppermost levels of the organization. The company's leaders must provide resources to the teams and the authority to apply these Six Sigma concepts in their day-to-day activities. Company leaders must also ensure that the company goals are associated with Six Sigma projects and they must see to the removal of any obstacles that might stand in the way of Six Sigma deployment.

Selection And Training Of Six Sigma Team Leaders

Six Sigma team leaders need to be properly selected and trained, as they play a crucial role in the management of the entire team. Not only are they responsible for managing the team, they are also the main change representatives for the Six Sigma process. Six Sigma team leaders are directly responsible for managing their teams. A Six Sigma Black Belt is the team leader and the responsibility of the Black Belt is to facilitate Six Sigma as part of the culture.

Black Belts need to be trained in Six Sigma methodology and they must have prior experience in leading teams. The Six Sigma team leader or the Black Belt must have leadership qualities, they should be able to understand the team dynamics and should be able to assign to each team member their individual roles and responsibilities. They help the teams achieve and sustain noteworthy results.

Important Aspects Of Managing A Six Sigma Team

Leading and mentoring are the two most important aspects of managing a Six Sigma team.

As the leader, the Black Belt should be willing to adjust to circumstances. They should be able to recognize and manage occasional setbacks. By directly being involved with the team, the Black Belts help implement improvements in a quick and efficient manner. The main role of the Black Belt includes minimizing group conflict and handling out-of-control meetings. Six Sigma includes practices that substitute hasty, imprudent habits with a dynamic, open and practical method of management.

It is important for the team leader or the Black Belt to be a mentor to everyone on the team. After their training, new candidates must be given proper guidance. This ensures the timely completion of projects and regular corrections being made in the course. Six Sigma supports teamwork and the Black Belt should work towards creating a healthy and productive team environment.  The Black Belt should arrange the team in such a way so as to best utilize the individual knowledge and techniques of the individual team members. Black Belts should help improve and increase members’ morale. Every circumstance should be regarded as an opportunity by the Black Belt to help guide and instruct the individual team members and to improve the organization as a whole.