Lean Six Sigma uses belt colours, borrowed from martial arts, to show how deep someone's skills go. The mistake we see most often is sending everyone to the same course. A better approach builds a pyramid: many people with the basics, fewer project leaders, and a small number of experts.
Yellow Belt: everyone who touches the process
Yellow Belts learn the language of improvement: the eight wastes, process mapping, 5S and simple problem solving. They spot problems early and support improvement projects with data and ideas.
Best for: front-line staff, supervisors and support teams.
Green Belt: your project leaders
Green Belts lead improvement projects using the full DMAIC cycle: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control. They learn the statistics needed to prove a root cause, and they finish training by delivering a real project at work.
Best for: engineers, analysts, team leaders and managers who own a process.
Black Belt: your change leaders and coaches
Black Belts take on complex, cross-functional problems and coach Green Belts. They use advanced tools such as design of experiments and lead the improvement portfolio with senior management.
Best for: full-time improvement leaders and experienced Green Belts.
A simple rule of thumb
| Level | Who | Typical outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow Belt | Many people across the organisation | A shared language and quicker problem spotting |
| Green Belt | Process owners and team leads | Projects with measurable savings |
| Black Belt | A few dedicated experts | A sustained improvement programme |
Three questions before you book training
- What problem are we trying to solve? Start from a business goal, such as fewer defects, faster turnaround or lower cost.
- Who will lead the projects? Green Belts need time and a sponsor, or projects stall.
- How will we hold the gains? Control plans and visual management stop old habits returning.
Our Lean Six Sigma programmes are certified by our partner RPM Academy, Canada, and can be HRD Corp claimable through 10 X Enterprise. See the belt pathway or talk to us about the right mix for your team.
