Difference between Six Sigma Yellow/Green/Black Belt

Difference between Six Sigma Yellow/Green/Black Belt

Yellow Belt:

A Yellow Belt possesses a basic understanding of Six Sigma. However, unlike green belts or Black belts, yellow belts don’t lead six sigma projects by themselves.

These professionals are responsible to support six sigma team in creating process maps. They may act as subject experts or take part as a core team member in six sigma projects. They can also carry out small projects on ad hoc basis with the guidance of Green belts or Black belts. 

They may also actively participate in less complex process improvement projects using Kaizen or PDCA. PDCA is an acronym for PLAN-DO–CHECK-ACT technique for Continuous Improvement attributed to Dr. Deming. It allows Yellow Belts to identify process improvement opportunities. And make a process more & more efficient. These Yellow Belt projects can be graduated to the GB or BB level, where a DMAIC methodology is used to maximize bottom-line savings to an exceptional level.

Green Belt:

A Green Belt possesses a good understanding of all aspects of the phases of DMAIC. These professionals operate under the supervision and guidance of the Black Belts. They analyze and solve the quality related issues. And participate in quality improvement projects. Unlike BBs, who lead cross-functional projects, GBs usually work on projects within their own functional area. 

They should expect to schedule regular meetings with their Black Belt coach to review project progress and seek advice. Green Belts are employees of an organization who have been trained on the Six Sigma improvement methods. They lead process improvement projects in their work area and assist Black Belts in finding process gaps.

Black Belt:

A Black Belt professional has a high level of understanding of Six Sigma principles, including supporting systems and tools & techniques. They exhibit team leadership as a problem solver, maintain team dynamics. Allocate team members’ roles and responsibilities. Black Belts understand all aspects of the DMAIC methodology aligned to Six Sigma principles.

They have good knowledge of Lean concepts. BB professionals are able to figure out non-value-added activities and can use specific tools to reduce them. They act as a change agent in transformational six sigma projects. They are good in stakeholder management and earning their buy-in & support. They mentor the GB professionals on organizational improvement projects. They lead and coach a cross-functional team comprising of GB and YB professionals in six sigma projects. They train and share their experiences with the yellow belts & green belts.

Master Black Belt:

These individuals are responsible for translating the high-level business goals into a Six Sigma strategy for the division and the supporting tactics. They work with the deployment leader to achieve the former.

They also lead the development of the Six Sigma skills in the organization, for Black Belts, Green Belts, and the general associate base. MBB’s have the ultimate responsibility to ensure the quality, value, and sustainability of Six Sigma projects under their guidance. Below are the responsibilities of a Master Black Belt in an organization:

Six Sigma strategy and roll-out plan in the organization/function

1. Manage Project of the function
2. Mentor Teams
3. Achieve Lean Six Sigma Results
4. Cross-Functional Leadership
5. Project Execution and Removing Roadblocks