10 Qualities to Look for in Six Sigma Black Belt Candidates

Selecting candidates for Six Sigma Black Belt Candidacy is a task vital to the prolonged health and growth of a company. Selecting the wrong candidate can not only mean that both time and money is wasted in the training, but that your company will not reap the benefits that such training can provide. Consequently, Charles Waxer of iSix Sigma has compiled a top ten list of the most important qualities to look for when selecting a candidate. iSix Sigma Reports:

Technical Aptitude. The Black Belt candidate need not be an engineering or statistical graduate, but in some cases this is beneficial — provided the other top ten qualities listed are also present. In all cases, a Black Belt is required to collect and analyze data for determining an improvement strategy. Without some technical aptitude (computer/software literacy and analytical skills) the Black Belt will be frustrated in this role.

Business Acumen. Black Belts are business leaders, not the quality managers of the past. As such, they should have business knowledge and the ability to display the linkage between projects and desired business results. How is a project making the company stronger competitively and financially? You can ask questions during the interview to determine if the Black Belt candidates have made this connection in their prior roles.