Jim L. Smith

Jim’s Gems: Encourage Continuous Improvement

January 13, 2014

Last week we were discussing organization change, total quality management, and continuous improvement with a group of managers. The jest of that discussion which focused on deployment issues might be of interest to many readers of this weekly blog.

Jim's Gems: Goals Can Be Predictors

Jim L. Smith

January 6, 2014

We’ve written about goal setting a few times in this blog which includes last week’s. However, considering it’s the start of the New Year it’s worth dedicating the year’s first blog to goal setting.

Face of quality

Protect Your Reputation

LACK OF RIGOR, DISCIPLINE can have negative consequences.

Jim L. Smith

November 6, 2013

As a society we are inundated daily with bad news about the economy.

Jim's Gems: Guard Against Negativity

Jim L. Smith

November 4, 2013

The best people to associate with are those who do three important things at the same time.

Face of Quality

The Argument for Training

People make the difference, but managers don’t act accordingly.

Jim L. Smith

October 7, 2013

Many of our greatest quality giants have discussed the value of education and training. For example, Dr. Deming dedicated two of his renowned 14 points of management to the subject.

Face of Quality

The Value of a Certified Quality Professional

Certification benefits both you and your organization.

Jim L. Smith

September 9, 2013

In my April 2013 column, I explained Ten Reasons to Invest in Yourself. Due to the number of comments and follow up questions, I thought it worthwhile to do a sequel.

Management

13 Steps to Get Ahead

Follow these best practices to get results in your career.

Jim L. Smith

September 3, 2013

In every place I’ve worked, I’ve noticed a handful of patterns. Some people seem to fit in well, do their work, and usually get the perks—opportunities, raises and promotions.

Face of Quality

Foundation for Defect-Based Metrics

Two questions form the foundation for a defect-based metric system.

Jim L. Smith

August 7, 2013

A defect happens when the outcome of any process, whether to manufacture a product or provide a service, does not produce the expected outcome.

Your True Identity

Jim L. Smith

July 23, 2013

Do you ever think about just who you actually are? For many we are much different than what or how the outside world sees us.

Face of Quality

Focus on the True Enemy

Poor quality is a formidable enemy of profitability.

Jim L. Smith

July 2, 2013

The quality profession has risen to the tremendous challenges of the last century by developing methodologies that have helped businesses meet the demands of their customers.