No one goes to the hospital to be injured
12/27/2008
101 Things a Black Belt Should Know-Part 1
A Short List of Key Skills
by Thomas Pyzdek Author
Complete list One of the most popular articles on my web site is 101 Things a Six Sigma Black Belt Should Know, a comprehensive list of knowledge, skills and abilities that the aspiring Six Sigma Black Belt (or, perhaps, Master Black Belt) can use in his or her  work as a change agent. I've been told that this list can be intimidating, but it need not be. When I write a large book I don't try to do it all at once. I break it into smaller, more manageable pieces and attack each piece one at a time. This newsletter will apply the same "divide and conquer" approach to the 101 things. Look it over and, if necessary, pick one or two items for New Year resolutions.
101 Things a Black Belt Should Know, 1-10
A Set of Potential New Year's Resolution Items
by Thomas Pyzdek
  1. In general, a Six Sigma Black Belt should be quantitatively oriented.
  2. With minimal guidance, the Six Sigma Black Belt should be able to use data to convert broad generalizations into actionable goals.
  3. The Six Sigma Black Belt should be able to make the business case for attempting to accomplish these goals.
  4. The Six Sigma Black Belt should be able to develop detailed plans for achieving these goals.
  5. The Six Sigma Black Belt should be able to measure progress towards the goals in terms meaningful to customers and leaders.
  6. The Six Sigma Black Belt should know how to establish control systems for maintaining the gains achieved through Six Sigma.
  7. The Six Sigma Black Belt should understand and be able to communicate the rationale for continuous improvement, even after initial goals have been accomplished.
  8. The Six Sigma Black Belt should be familiar with research that quantifies the benefits firms have obtained from Six Sigma.
  9. The Six Sigma Black Belt should know or be able to find the PPM rates associated with different sigma levels (e.g., Six Sigma = 3.4 PPM)
  10. The Six Sigma Black Belt should know the approximate relative cost of poor quality associated with various sigma levels (e.g., three sigma firms report 25% COPQ).
This list should be enough to get you started in 2009.
Thomas Pyzdek
The Pyzdek Institute
520-204-1957
Join Our Mailing List
Act Now to Save 10%
Order before the arrival of 2009 in Times Square and save 10% on any Basic or Advanced Six Sigma training and certification package. Just enter the coupon code HOLIDAY when placing your order. Click here for additional information.
 
Offer Expires: When the ball drops in Times Square