Role of the Master Black Belt

The term “Master Black Belt” means very different things in different organizations.  In our case, MBB’s manage the Six Sigma program, teach classes, and mentor people who are working on projects.  The mentoring means that we review projects, and give technical assistance when people are having difficulty applying the tools.
In other organizations, MBB’s do none of the above, and simply manage complex projects, where individual BB’s are working on sub-parts of the project, under the direction of the MBB.
Denton Bramwell
Sr. Master Black Belt
 

Obviously it has different meanings in different employments. However, that should not be the case. SS is meant to standardize communication,  thought process & tools to better achieve management quality. The in-house consultant or advisor for this process is the MBB. That person is an experienced, well-rounded Manager & Leader who is the trainer, mentor, advisor, expert and otherwise “chief-of-staff” for SS in company.

The Master Black Belt should provide the following:
1) Define the quality focus of his/her team
2) Coach
3) Train
4) Strategically Support Quality Initiatives (Perform as a Liasion between BBs and Executives, so that BBs can perform their functions unhindered by business politics)
5) Lead by example
If the MBB does these things he/she will have an effective quality team.

 The master Black Belts should take the main responsibility of implementing the Six Sigma program.  They must assist the organization in identifying Six Sigma projects and also develop and train Black Belts under them. In addition:
– they will take on the leadership of major programs
– offer technical expertise
– facilitate sharing of best practices across the organization
– ensure successful completion of a project from start to end