My Unforgettable Quality Journey

This accomplishment was genuinely unforgettable and ignited a profound passion to further develop my knowledge of quality.

Speaking of Quality column feature image three construction workers at construction site with crane in the background. — *Image Source: ljubaphoto / E+ via Getty Images*

Early in my career as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I noticed a significant gap in the consistency of work practices within the workplace. Despite being managed by a different project manager, each construction project followed its unique approach. This lack of standardized processes in critical construction operations exposed us to numerous risks, including failure to meet client requirements, construction delays, duplication of work, rework, budget overruns, and profit loss.

These management issues within the construction industry ignited a desire within me to bridge this gap and improve the performance of my company and the construction industry as a whole. In 2003, the company I was working for took the pioneering step of pursuing ISO 9001:2000 Certification, which focused on enhancing the quality of our operations and deliverables at that time. When the management made this decision, I was the sole volunteer who willingly invested extra hours, without compensation and on top of my workload, to establish a robust quality management system for the company. This endeavor involved the creation of numerous policies, work procedures, forms, and templates. It took me approximately two years to complete this task, resulting in the company achieving ISO 9001:2000 accreditation in 2005. This accomplishment was genuinely unforgettable and ignited a profound passion to further develop my knowledge of quality and organizational excellence through personal accreditations and certifications, which I pursued at my own expense.

ASQ Transformed My Career

In 2007, I became a regular member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), and I was astounded by the wealth of knowledge resources it offers. Since joining ASQ, I have purchased and devoured countless books on the quality management and organizational excellence subjects. In 2009, I acquired the Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE) Handbook, a pivotal resource that propelled my understanding of Quality Management and Organizational Excellence to new heights. Achieving CMQ/OE Certification in 2010 marked a significant milestone in my professional journey. A mere two months after obtaining this prestigious certification, my job title transitioned from “quality specialist” to “quality manager,” representing the first managerial position in my career.

As a quality manager for a reputable real estate and construction company, I applied the knowledge gained from the CMQ/OE Handbook to establish a comprehensive quality management system consisting of around 45 work procedures and 200 forms. Additionally, I successfully disseminated the knowledge to over 400 employees through formal and informal training and awareness sessions. This transformative change management journey, spanning from 2010 to 2015, was recognized as a success story by ASQ and featured on their ASQ TV Channel. As a testament to my achievements, I was appointed the “Quality Assurance Director” for another distinguished Construction Project Management Consulting Company (PMC).

The Added Value Of ASQ

ASQ’s unwavering commitment to lifelong learning deeply resonated with me. It provides abundant educational resources, including publications, webinars, online courses, and conferences, which I enthusiastically utilized to broaden my knowledge and continuously stay abreast of industry developments. In return, I have contributed by publishing numerous articles and delivering presentations at both local and international events. Recently, I had the honor of presenting at the WCQI Conference in May 2023 and conducting a webinar in June 2023 organized by ASQ’s Quality Management Division (QMD).

ASQ actively encourages its members to engage in volunteering and leadership roles, offering opportunities to contribute to the global quality community. I am currently volunteering for ASQ QMD as the Chairman of the ‘Content Management Committee (CMC) #1 - Leadership.’ This role not only allows me to give back to the profession but also enables me to develop my leadership skills both in my work and personal life.

Conclusion

ASQ has been the catalyst that propelled my career to new managerial and leadership heights. It has provided me with a solid foundation in quality management and organizational excellence principles, equipped me with practical tools and techniques, and empowered me to drive positive change in every organization I have worked for, whether in full-time, part-time, or external consulting capacities. I am very grateful for the knowledge, skills, and network I have gained through ASQ. By connecting with the local, regional, and global community of quality professionals, I have been able to leverage my expertise and contribute to the field of quality management. I wholeheartedly encourage individuals to embark on their own ASQ journey, as the benefits extend far beyond personal growth and profoundly impact the workplace.

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Dr. Omer Eltigani is a quality management and organizational excellence expert with more than 22 years of experience as a director and senior manager. He leads organizations to establish, implement and continually improve a robust quality management systems (QMS) towards organizational excellence.