When organizations decide to deploy a Six Sigma initiative, there are several foundation stones required for a successful venture. One of those building blocks is leadership. From executive-level support to assigning champions and choosing the right projects, leadership is critical for Six Sigma success. But if it’s so important, shouldn’t leadership training be a core ingredient in any Six Sigma curriculum? Apparently not, as reviewed syllabi for Six Sigma courses didn’t include leadership. Understanding that some leadership is already established (i.e. upper-level executives, potential champions) and some organizations are choosing the best personnel for Black Belt training, as suggested by many Six Sigma practitioners, there doesn’t seem to be a methodology for choosing the best leadership for these positions nor does it appear to be a prerequisite in any publicized courses. So, how does an organization ensure that the important leadership block is covered when moving forward with their quest to become a Six Sigma organization? Is strong leadership a necessary component for a successful Six Sigma initiative?

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