Their training involves successful completion of the projects in different functional areas, helping Champions with project selection and training about a large variety of tools, which are beneficial for any improvement program in the organization.

Recent studies have indicated that many successful Black Belt training programs also include leadership development programs.

Functional Know-How

Black Belts have to be well aware of the various parts of any of the processes. They should be familiar with the working of the processes and have a deep understanding of the procedures involved in various process functions throughout the organization.

Having been through the various stages in the organization, they are trusted and accepted by other members in the organization and have better capabilities to bring about changes in functional areas.

Business Knowledge

With their involvement in the improvement projects in the organization, Black Belts are well aware of the business’ strategies, goals, and objectives. They are even more familiar with the customers, the market and the competition.

They have a deep understanding of the core competencies of the members in the organization and the growth enabling capabilities of the processes. They are familiar with the different level of members in the organization and their level of expertise on different subject matters.

Having undertaken improvement projects, Black Belts have proven track records for successful completion of projects with measurable results.

Process Improvement, Design and Management Know-How

One of the most important parts of Six Sigma Black Belt training and the projects undertaken is that they develop an approach of thinking in terms of cause and effect relationships.  They apply this knowledge not just to the critical areas, but in day-to- day operations.

This helps in sorting out any problems with great care and deep thought about their causes. Decision-making based on such a data analysis is bound to be sound and based on a solid foundation. Being data-based and supported by specific decisions that are not just gut feelings, the probability of recurrence of the problem is minimal.

Lastly, Black Belts have the ability to think over cross-functional areas of concern. They design the responsibilities in such a manner that they cover multiple processes and redesign them if need be.
They use the process management charts to manage these processes such that they are able to sort out problems beyond their process boundaries.

Change Leadership Abilities

One major responsibility of the Six Sigma Black Belt is to bring about the changes in the organizational processes - and most importantly, to facilitate such changes.

They have to be good change agents with good soft skills to influence people to accept changes that are beneficial for everyone. They have to overcome resistance to change by planning project implementation well in advance, which involves regular communication with internal as well as external customers.

The business’ leadership should select such members for Black Belt training who are visibly potential leaders. They should ensure that the person being selected has the fire to see such initiatives to a successful end.

Black Belts should be well aware of the business goals and objectives and have abilities to undertake responsibilities without much support of the top management. The business’ leadership has to ensure that they select Six Sigma Black Belts who will make good leaders in the future.