Page 58 - Six Sigma Demystified

Chapter 2 d e v e lo p i n g t h e t r a i n i n g a n d d e p loy m e n t p l a n 39

viduals who demonstrate a balance between these softer attributes and the tech-
nical skills discussed elsewhere in this book. Many firms expect experience with
these change- agent skills, documented through work history and personal rec-
ommendations, as a prerequisite for black belt candidates. Depending on the
business and functional area, a technical college degree also may be required. For
example, a BS in engineering may be required for manufacturing areas, whereas
a business degree may be required for sales or business development areas.

Black Belt Training

A classic model for black belt training consists of one week per month of class-
room training spread over four months. It integrates classroom learning with
hands- on project implementation. Black belts are assigned a project for this
training, which allows them to successfully apply the skills they are taught in
training to the three weeks between each class session. The trainers, aided by
master black belts, serve as coaches for these projects.
A newer model for training, which has proved even more successful, is a
blended approach that employs online self- study training with on- site class-
room review and mentoring sessions. Based on reviews and feedback, students
enjoy the flexibility offered by the online format. The clearest benefit of an
online class over the classroom setting is the self- paced nature of the online
class. Students progress through the material at their own pace, based on their
experience, skill set, and learning objectives. For students with busy work or
home lives, this often allows them to better balance their time. Online unit
quizzes are often provided to test the acquired knowledge for each topic. The
online materials are supplemented with workshops and review sessions to dis-
cuss questions from the online materials and apply the materials to the ongoing
student projects.
A key aspect of black belt training is successful completion of a project.
Projects prove training. Projects are completed successfully only when the
financials have been certified by the accounting department and the project has
been accepted and closed by the sponsor. In addition to the usual criteria of
bottom- line impact and customer focus, training projects usually are selected
that will use many of the technical skills in an area of the business in which the
black belt candidate has some experience (and comfort).
Each black belt should arrive for the first week of training with several
potential projects, allowing that some of the projects may not meet selection
criteria defined by management (usually as part of champion training). Work-
shops are incorporated extensively throughout the training to provide hands- on