Six Sigma Roles and Responsibilities show up on each certification exam. Here’s a quick study guide that can help you ace those portions. Also, see Six Sigma Teams.
Sponsor
Sponsor: Usually a high-level or senior business leader or executive who sponsors the Six Sigma engagement. Responsible for articulating the problem statement, defining the team’s objectives, and validating the business case in the project charter. Sponsors are the liaison between the team and senior management. They are thus responsible for securing subject matter experts and non-Six Sigma resources critical to the project’s success. It is looked to for decisions at critical times in the project. The sponsor’s approval is required at DMAIC tollgates.
Champion
Champion: Middle or senior executive who sponsors and promotes continuous improvement initiatives throughout their organization. Secures training and mentorship for Black Belt candidates and ensures that project resources are available. Resolves any cross-functional team issues that may occur. Trained in the basics of Six Sigma. Sometimes filled by former Black Belts or Master Black Belts. Occasionally the Champion may also Sponsor projects or programs.
Process Owner
Process Owner: Professional, often a senior business leader, responsible for the business process that is the target of a Six Sigma project. Sometimes the process owner may be the sponsor of the initiative.
Green Belt
Six Sigma Green Belt: A professional with introductory Six Sigma training partially allocated to an initiative. Maybe a team member on a Black Belt project or lead a smaller project.
Learn more by exploring an outline of what it required for each certification body:
- Villanova Six Sigma Green Belt Study Guide
- ASQ Six Sigma Green Belt Study Guide
- IASSC Six Sigma Green Belt Study Guide
Black Belt
Six Sigma Black Belt
100% allocated professional trained in DMAIC and other problem-solving methodologies. Has project management, statistical, and process analysis skill sets. Trained in the science of and soft skills needed to bring about change. Responsibilities often include training green belts and other black belt candidates and leading Six Sigma projects.
Black Belts may also serve as internal consultants helping multiple teams at once. Job duties sometimes include training other employees in tools, techniques, and processes.
Learn more by exploring an outline of what is required for each certification body:
- Villanova Six Sigma Black Belt Study Guide
- ASQ Six Sigma Black Belt Study Guide
- IASSC Six Sigma Black Belt Study Guide
Master Black Belt
Six Sigma Master Black Belt
100% allocated professional with tremendous experience as a Black Belt, leading teams and completing projects. A true expert in Six Sigma methodology and tools. Six Sigma Master Black Belts often mentor aspiring black belts and consult and remove obstacles from Black Belt teams. They are responsible to champions for keeping a portfolio of initiatives on track.
Certifications are offered from ASQ, Villanova, and IASSC.
Six Sigma Roles Videos
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Six Sigma Roles Questions:
Question: Which of the following is an important responsibility of a project champion? (Taken from ASQ sample Black Belt exam.)
(A) Leading the team
(B) Documenting the overall progress of the team
(C) Allocating resources to support the team
(D) Coaching the team on the DMAIC process
Answer:
C: It’s allocating the resources. The champion is the one who owns the process or the problem… and, thus, the resources to help. Leading and coaching the team is generally left to the black belt. Documenting progress could be done by any team member.
