The Master Black Belt course seen in practice

The added value of Lean Six Sigma

For example, as a project manager, production manager or improvement manager, many come into contact with Lean Six Sigma and then see its added value. The methodology focuses on improving customer value, as well as improving products and services. That continuous improvement is important for any organization.

Show tangible results

For some, after completing Green Belt and Black Belt and initiating and executing various projects, the time has come to become a Master Black Belt. The value addition is then mainly in the strategic interpretation. As a Green Belt and Black Belt, you mainly execute projects; as a Master Black Belt, you go a step further. You will think about Lean Six Sigma from mission, vision and customer values and translate this into operational objectives and KPIs.

“Awareness is golden.”

With tangible results from great projects, the entire organization starts to see the power of Lean Six Sigma. That awareness is golden. But over time, the duties of a Master Black Belt should become more and more strategic. Often there is sufficient support for Lean Six Sigma implementation, but sometimes there is a lack of direction and the management in particular, as the initiator, must first make strokes. This executive team can then attend Lean Six Sigma Champion training at Symbol. This will give the strategy more support and follow-through.

Complement to daily work

The knowledge a participant gains during their Master Black Belt training is certainly going to help with that. Strategy development & strategy deployment, for example, is a module focused on improvement strategy. Often, developing a Lean strategy initially lies with the Master Black Belt. Then it is very valuable that you are well trained in this. Once the strategy is implemented in the organization, management will also contribute. The same goes for the Lean Leadership & Kata Coaching module, which focuses on turning the existing corporate culture into a decisive improvement culture. You don’t get that done in a hurry. Creating awareness is complicated. Appropriate tools are provided for this purpose.

Focus on the hard as well as the soft side

The Master Black Belt course at Symbol focuses not only on the hard side (improving processes), but also on the soft side of Lean Six Sigma (creating a culture of change). Because that soft side is precisely what determines success. People need to be aware of the benefits so that they are motivated to improve. During the training, fortunately, a lot of attention is paid to this and it is also a frequently discussed topic in conversations with other participants.

Choose your own modules

Another strength of the course is the fact that participants can choose their own modules. It is not a defined course: you can choose modules at Symbol that are relevant to you personally, or to your industry. And of course, you can also choose modules that are not so relevant (right now), but that will allow you to gain knowledge in the broadest sense. Because who knows, maybe this knowledge will come in handy in the future.

Apply knowledge of Lean Six Sigma in practice

The modules of the Master Black Belt course can also be taken over a longer period of time. This can come in handy when the workload is high, but sometimes it simply fits an organization better. If you learn something that cannot be applied until months later, there is a chance that the knowledge will be diluted. This is also an important tip right away for Black Belts who are unsure about a Master Black Belt course. The key question is not whether the training suits your personal development, but whether you can actually apply the knowledge in practice. In addition, realize well that as a Master Black Belt, you will have a different position. You will be interacting with directors and management, which means speaking a different language and working differently. If this suits you and if you can apply the knowledge you have gained to your organization, then Symbol is the right place for you. It is a professional and no-nonsense trainer – definitely the right choice.