When we think of November we immediately think about Thanksgiving, deer hunting season, and Black Friday shopping. These observations are well-known and carry a rich tradition. 

My youngest child graduated college last May and just transitioned into his very own apartment. As I helped him move I reflected on when I first ventured out on my own many years ago.

A change management strategy provides direction and purpose for all change management activities.

The ASQ Inspection Division Conference brought quality professionals to Louisville this week to learn more about measurement in the digital age. Keynotes by Mahr and Google provided a closer look at today’s quality challenges.

You’re an inspector. Perhaps you’re an auditor. Maybe you’re a supervisor. Your job title specifies what you do now. What do you want to do in the future? More importantly, who do you want to be in the future? Where do you want the quality profession to take you next? These are all important questions.

ASQ is the global quality knowledge network that links the best ideas, tools, and experts because it has the resources, reputation, and reach to bring together the diverse quality and continuous improvement champions that transform our world.

As Dennis Arter (ASQ Fellow member and 2014 Distinguished Service Medalist) stated in a 2014 interview, “Many organizations make the mistake of lumping policies and procedures together as ‘policiesandprocedures.’” The five years since Arter’s proclamation haven’t changed organizations’ view of the two terms.

Yes, it’s true, teams can be ineffective. But they don’t have to be that way. Well-run teams are creative and innovative. They improve processes, save money, and delight customers (internal and external).

Daniella Picciotti still remembers her first auditing experiences. On a supplier audit with more senior colleagues, it was difficult to determine her role. 

A focus on customers should help any organization improve. Satisfy the customer and success will follow, or so the thinking goes. And it makes sense. Without customers, the best product or service is irrelevant.