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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: Over the Mountain

June 2, 2010
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All of us face challenges on a daily basis. How we approach those challenges might have a lot to do with the outcome. The following might be of some guiding influence so read on.

When we look at a mountain from a distance, it looms very large. It can be difficult to imagine how we could ever scale it.

Yet when we go right up to the foothills of the mountain, we're likely to find, if we look hard enough, a trail winding up its side. It then becomes clear that by taking one step after another, we can indeed make our way over that mountain.

Any challenge can be viewed in much the same way. When it is a distant concept, the challenge can seem insurmountable.

Yet when we get to the point where we're ready to take the first step, that challenge becomes less intimidating. Once we start working our way through, step by step, we begin to know that we will indeed make it to the other side.

Is there a challenge you've been avoiding because it seems too large and intimidating? Go ahead, step right up to that challenge, and you'll quickly see that it's not really as difficult as you had imagined.

Working through challenges can add significant value to our world and can greatly improve the quality of our life. Go ahead, dive right in, and you'll know without a doubt that you can do it.

Think about it....
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2010 Quality Professional

Richard Greabell
June 3, 2010
Regarding D.H. Stamatis your 2010 Professional of the Year. Wow! What accomplishments! He has done a lot and given a lot back. Thanks for the inspiration. I would like to meet him someday. What a great representative of the quality community. As a matter of fact, he would be a great person to have on Toyota's new quality advisory committee. Oh, what's that? He's NOT on the committee? Well as long as someone among the recognized quality leaders is present .. oh, no one from the Juran group? No one from Harrington? No Deming Institute? No Tom Pyzdek? No Jack West? That must be the most clear statement regarding the state of the quality profession - when Toyota puts together a quality advisory committee and there is not a single quality professional on the committee. In my thirty years of quality ups and downs, this is the biggest slap in the face I've ever seen. I am truly embarrassed to even admit I work in quality.

Inspiration

James Boone
June 5, 2010
What an inspiring message Jim brings to us. When a challenge seems insurmountable we must move ahead with confidence! Jim's amazzing messages has helped my greatly. Jim

Challenges

Jesse Goetz
June 6, 2010
Powerful message, at least for me. So often I have been somewhat intimidated by certain challenges. This column has given me a different perspective. Everyone should read this and consider how it can be helpful. Jesse

Look to overcome

Sam Linn
June 8, 2010
Many of us retreat in the face of a significant challenge. Instead we should embrace the challenge and look to overcome the obstacle. Jim's thoughts were insightful.

Vision

Angelia Barnes
June 10, 2010
It helps to have the vision to look beyond the mountain. Think about the end result and map out the journey which will get you there. Thanks for sharing your view on this point. Angelia

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