Six Sigma Training

Six Sigma training is one of the most important factors that contributes to and helps modify and shape a Six Sigma culture. This article will help identify who in your organization is required to go through six sigma training and what type of six sigma training they should receive.

Implementing Six Sigma within your organization is similar to implementing any other company-wide initiative. Determining the content and framework, developing the materials, and rolling it out to the company is only half of the necessary work. The other half is changing the culture.

Six Sigma training is one of the most important factors that contributes to and helps modify and shape an organization’s culture. This article will help identify who in your organization is required to be Six Sigma trained and what type of Six Sigma training they should receive.

Who and What Type of Six Sigma Training?

Senior Management
Senior Management, also known as ‘C-Level Management’ (CEO, CIO, CFO and peers), are the individuals that set, communicate and drive the overall business objectives. They are also the individuals that are required to incorporate Six Sigma objectives into their operational plans. Examples of objectives might include:

X% of employees through Six Sigma training by a certain date
Y% reduction in defects for all customer visible processes by quarter end
$Z in back-office projects savings by year end

Six Sigma training for Senior Management should include a program overview, business and financial benefits of implementation, real-world examples of successful deployments, specific application to business/industry, and the required Six Sigma training and tools to ensure successful implementation. Depending on Senior Management time availability and their desire to learn the details, Black Belt training is also recommended.

Functional / Process Managers
Functional and Process Managers are the level of management directly reporting to the Senior Management. Depending on the size of the organization, they might include functional managers from areas such as human resources, finance and training, and process managers from areas such as assembly, production and call center.

These managers are sometimes referred to as ‘sponsors‘ and ‘champions’ because they are known to champion the cause within their business organization. These champions translate Senior Management’s strategic directions into tactical objectives and actions with the help of their Quality Leader and Project Leaders.

Six Sigma training for Functional and Process Managers is more detailed than that provided to Senior Management. Topics would include the Six Sigma concept, methodology, tools and requirements to ensure successful implementation within their organization. Depending on Functional / Process Manager time availability and their desire to learn the details, Black Belt training is also recommended.

Quality Leaders
Quality Leaders, also known as Quality Managers and Master Black Belts, help Functional and Process Managers set and lead the Six Sigma vision within their specific areas. They maintain rolled up budgets, track business cost savings, ensure training goals are met, coach Functional and Process Managers, Project Leaders and Employees, review projects at milestones, share best practices, and ensure appropriate use of tools and methodologies.

Six Sigma training for Quality Leaders includes detailed information about the concept, methodology and tools, as well as detailed statistics training and computer analysis tool use. Depending on the instructor, the duration is usually between three and four weeks.

Project Leaders
Project Leaders, also known as Black Belts, implement the Six Sigma methodology and tools within the business. They lead the intra- and inter-function projects, maintain time lines and budget, determine appropriate tool use, perform analyses, and act as the central point of contact for specific process improvement projects.

Six Sigma training for Project Leaders includes detailed information about the concept, methodology and tools. Depending on the instructor, the duration is usually between two and four weeks, and may include one of more weeks in between sections. Statistics is included in the agenda, but typically does not include as much detail as that provided to Quality Leaders.

Employees
Employees, also known as Green Belts, may also take Six Sigma training courses developed specifically for part time Project Leaders. Six Sigma training for Green Belts is similar to Black Belt training, but shorter in duration because less detail on complex tools and statistics is provided. Employees are instead told to ask their Black Belt for help in specific areas.