If teams undertake a big project, which is beyond them to handle, it becomes very difficult to achieve what has been planned. It is also difficult to control all different matters moving in different directions.

Leadership would do well to build up a small team and start off with a small project with a limited scope.

Making a Start

The business’ leadership can start with a project defining a small area of immediate concern. It needs to build up a team that is limited in size, with a Black Belt, Master Black Belt and a deployment leader.

These people should be given authority that helps in creating a system that will have a great impact on the organization and be an initiator of project at other places in the organization. The organization’s leadership should provide active support required for the deployment of the first Lean Six Sigma project.

The deployment leader can design such a project deployment plan, which will ensure that it impresses upon others the need for a Six Sigma training initiative in the organization. The deployment leader and the business leaders should work in tandem to make this first project a success.

The leaders have to contribute towards removing roadblocks in the projects at various stages. The deployment leader should be a respected staff member who will find it easier to bring about a change in the system.

The Six Sigma training initiative involves various metrics and controls that make it imperative for all to be accountable for their processes. The deployment leader has to work towards creating a certain level of acceptance of the systems, and break down any hurdles.

Selecting Black Belts

The role of the Black Belt is very relevant in a Six Sigma project. It is necessary to select a Black Belt who can dedicate all their time to the Lean Six Sigma implementation and not be assigned to any other activity.

A well-trained and certified internal candidate is very appropriate, as they are well aware of organizational goals, can move around with colleagues and display the sincerity of management in bringing about developments for employees.

They will be trusted by other employees better than an outside Black Belt, and will be able to convince them of the benefits of the project. They will also be in a better position to explain to them that resistance out of fear of change is needless.

The Black Belt selected should have the desire to achieve effectively the required improvement in the organization. They should have great skills and critical thinking.

They should be able to move on with bigger project upon the success of a small project, and should have the skill to train Green Belts on Six Sigma.

Master Black Belt

A Master Black Belt is equally important. Such a person has an understanding of corporate roles and responsibilities and the capacity to remove corporate barriers.

The Master Black Belt should be able to establish metrics and create a Lean Six Sigma strategy. They should be able to find out key problem areas and put in measures to eliminate those.

By starting small with the Lean Six Sigma training initiative, leadership can get the ball rolling for bigger and larger projects.