Master Black Belt

A Quick Glance The role of a Master Black Belt entails much more than mere statistical analysis. MBBs are expected to be leaders in their fields, proficient in project management and problem-solving and cutting edge in their core knowledge. They must be creative thinkers and skilled communicators, who can, in turn, train others. The curriculum described here has been designed to develop the type of Master Black Belt described above – one who is in high demand by quality-conscious organizations.

A Multi-Disciplinary Project

A MBB must be proficient in project management. Companies expect the MBB to be able to undertake projects with a greater degree of complexity. To meet this component of the certification process, the candidate will complete one major project that encompasses multiple company disciplines. (Note: This project is in addition to the Black Belt project or five completed projects with final reports.)

Conflict Management

As a project leader, the MBB will often be in situations where a thorough understanding of the nature and process of conflict management will be critical to the successful completion of the task. Participants will learn basic conflict theory, be introduced to multiple resolution models, identify personal tendencies with conflict situations, and master specific techniques for moving difficult people and stalled projects toward the goal.

Leading Change

A MBB functions primarily as a change agent and, as such, must be a master of the change process. Participants will learn basic change theory, master a proven model for accomplishing change, and learn how different personalities and situations respond to proposed change.

Advanced Six Sigma Tools

The MBB is also a technical expert and will be asked to utilize skills and information from outside a basic black Belt curriculum. Participants will receive a blend of advanced statistics and management topics. Specific topics can be custom designed based upon the interest and needs of the client.

Train the Trainer

A MBB must understand the adult learning process, and how to best communicate in the adult environment.

Teaching Component

The MBB must be able to teach and train effectively. This component requires 40 hours of observed teaching in your facility or in one of the open enrollment classes offered by Strategic Leadership Solutions. One of our staff members will observe the candidate teach either Black Belt or Green Belt material over the course of a year.

Research Component

Standard Black Belt material contains the most commonly used tools in problem solving, but none of the current training material attempts to be exhaustive. A MBB must be able to research a statistics-related topic and build a module that effectively communicates the material. This module will be presented during the Advanced Six Sigma tools Training described above.

Reading Component

A MBB must have an attitude of continuous learning and should always strive for personal development and improvement. To meet this requirement, the candidate will select and read two books, and write a one-page summary of each. The books chosen by the candidates will be related to their own professional development strategy and must be approved by the staff of Strategic Leadership Solutions. Suggested topics include (but are not limited to) Six Sigma, Lean, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, and Communication.

Coaching Component

MBBs will require personal coaching as they prepare for instruction. The staff of Strategic Leadership Solutions will provide individualized coaching on the material to be taught by the candidate, monitor the teaching preparation process and assistance in the creation of a personal leadership development plan. Coaching will occur over five days, scheduled individually with the coach and candidate.