Quality Blog

Jim L. Smith has more than 45 years of industry experience in operations, engineering, research and development and quality management. You can reach Jim at faceofquality@qualitymag.com.

Jim's Gems: Learning and Understanding

June 23, 2009
/ Print / Reprints /
ShareMore
/ Text Size+

Continuing to learn is fundamental to adding to our knowledge and understanding. Plato said, "The learning and knowledge that we have is, at the most, but little compared with that of which we are ignorant." Interesting quote but it is basic to the argument of continuing our search for knowledge and ability to add to our quality of life.

Sometimes learning can feel like a chore. Sometimes it seems that learning is just the mundane, yet necessary, thing we must do before we undertake whatever it is we really want, or have, to do.

Yet learning is much more than that. In addition to showing us what action to take, learning also can significantly increase the effectiveness of our actions. It is not merely an obligatory step on the path to action. Learning has a value all its own, a value that lasts long after we've completed whatever it was that compelled us to learn in the first place.

Learning not only enables us to know what and how. It also provides us the opportunity to understand why. Understanding why, can add enormous value and effectiveness to anything we do. When we have a solid grasp of the fundamental concepts behind our actions, we give the power of purpose to those actions. We can leverage the energy of our efforts. Learn so that we can do, and so that we will understand.

As important as it is to learn new knowledge, it is more important to use and share our knowledge. If we don’t use or share our learning and knowledge with others then all is for naught. Think about it…
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Sharing is important also

Lou Cappella
June 23, 2009
I enjoy reading Jim's column and his blogs which are so inspiring. Learning is so critical to our personal development but the sharing of our knowledge is more important. The sharing helps others grow and learn from others. Lou Cappella

Thoughtful

Lee Web
August 1, 2009
While it is important to continue to learn it is more critical to share this knowledge with others. I believe the latter is our responsibility.

Multimedia

Videos

Podcasts

Bill Arbogast explains his perspective on quality, ISO 9001, and how to manage inevitable business changes.


Read: The 2013 Quality Professional of the Year

 
More Podcasts

THE MAGAZINE

Quality Magazine

magazine quality cover 2013 may audits

2013 May

Check out the May 2013 edition of Quality Magazine for features about Measurement, Software and Test & Inspection.
Table Of Contents Subscribe

Plant of the Year

Which is the most important factor in considering a Quality plant of the Year?
View Results Poll Archive

THE QUALITY MAGAZINE STORE

M:\General Shared\__AEC Store Katie Z\AEC Store\Images\Quality\prac-field-guide-for-iso.gif
A Practical Field Guide for ISO 9001:2008

The purpose of this field guide is to assist organizations, step by step, in implementing a quality management system (QMS) in conformance with ISO 9001:2008, whether from scratch or by transitioning from ISO 9001:2000. It examines each sub-clause of Sections 4–8 of ISO 9001:2008, which contain the requirements, and gives a list of the documentation/documents required, internal audit questions, a summary of management’s responsibilities, and a flowchart of the steps that need to be undertaken to satisfy the requirements.

More Products

Clear Seas Research

qcast_ClearSeas_logo.gifWith access to over one million professionals and more than 60 industry-specific publications,Clear Seas Research offers relevant insights from those who know your industry best. Let us customize a market research solution that exceeds your marketing goals.

eNewsletters

STAY CONNECTED

facebook_40.png twitter_40px.png  youtube_40px.pnglinkedin_40px.png