Lean tools fall into different levels of complexity, represented by martial arts-style belt colors. First of all, the Yellow Belt represents the least complex level. Next, the Green Belt reflects an intermediate level. Finally, the Black Belt is the most advanced. The list below outlines all Lean Green Belt tools. Individuals trained at this level can apply them independently, in accordance with the IASSC Body of Knowledge. Moreover, the IASSC refers to the Green Belt level as “Lean Leader“.
Lean Green Belt tools
- 5 Whys
- Bottleneck Analysis (a.k.a. Theory of Constraints (TOC))
- Brainstorming
- Consensus
- Continuous Flow
- Flow diagram
- Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA)
- Ishikawa (Cause & Effect Diagram, a.k.a. C&E diagram or Fishbone diagram)
- Jidoka (Zero Defect Principle)
- Just-In-Time (JIT)
- Kaizen task-force workshops (a.k.a. Kaizen Blitz or Kaizen Event)
- Kanban (Pull System)
- Kano Model
- KPIs (Key Performance Indicators)
- Layout Planning
- Motivation
- PDCA
- Poka-Yoke (Error Proofing)
- Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
- Short Interval Control (SIC)
- SIPOC
- Single-Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED)
- Spaghetti diagram
- Stakeholder Management
- Sustainment
- Value Stream Map (VSM)
In general, certified Lean Yellow Belts are valuable team members in improvement projects. In comparison, Lean Green Belts typically lead smaller initiatives. Meanwhile, Lean Black Belts manage larger, more complex projects. In addition, higher belt levels often coach professionals at lower levels in their continuous improvement efforts.
In order to implement Lean successfully, organizations should create a hierarchy of Lean Belts. For example, top-level managers might serve as Lean Black Belts. Similarly, middle managers could become Green Belts, and lower-level managers may be trained as Yellow Belts. As a result, this structure enables coaching, centralizes advanced knowledge, and reinforces managerial support.
Apart from the Lean Green Belt tools listed above, other tools are available at higher and lower complexity levels:
Explore Lean Yellow Belt tools
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About the Author
Floris Lap is an IASSC-certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and founder of Procestimal. He empowers organizations to maximize value and reduce waste through practical Lean Six Sigma solutions—contributing to a more sustainable world where businesses thrive with minimal resources. Contact us