The conclusion of the study is that internal coaching positively influences project outcomes. The internal coaches and Green Belts studied, however, do not agree on how collaboration occurs. The internal coaches did not perceive they support Green Belt teams in a consistent manner. The general theme for the internal coaches was the value they placed on their coaching expertise and education level when supporting Green Belts. On the other hand, the Green Belts perceived the support given by internal coaches happens in a consistent manner across a wide range of the variables and predictors in the study. The general theme for the Green Belts was the value they placed on collaborating with the internal coaches and the clarity of what internal coaching support looks like in the context of completing a Green Belt project. The comprehensive nature of support important to Green Belts suggests an opportunity for creating better alignment around the key inputs of project coaching.
The study recommends a collaboration tool for facilitating the alignment of internal coaches and Green Belts. The collaboration tool uses study results for (a) Establishing expectations before the project begins, (b) Monitoring status of expectations during the project, (c) Measuring collaboration quality after the project, and (d) Sharing lessons learned. The collaboration tool is the best practice contribution to the Six Sigma body of knowledge. The collaboration tool promotes Six Sigma program sustainability through knowledge creation contributed by internal coaches and Green Belts. The study does not evaluate the adoption and effectiveness of the collaboration tool on project outcomes.