ASQ Influential Voices: Quantum Thinking

In his blog this month, ASQ CEO, Paul Borawski writes about the rapid rate of change in our world and how the practice of quality can evolve to support it.

I'd take it a step further - more than just supporting change - today's "Quality Professional" must be the one driving organizational change.  If not us, then who?  And if not now, when?

What are the types of things we usually hear (or even say) when presented with a seemingly impossible goal?

• There’s not enough time…
• Leadership won’t support it…
• We don’t have the right talent…
• The budget isn’t big enough… 
• We have way too much going on…
• Employees won’t accept it…
• Nobody knows how to do it…
• The culture won’t allow it…

While some of these may be entirely accurate, they’re all based on our existing mental model of how the world works today.  To be effective change agents, we must create a new and compelling vision of the future – and then work to radically transform our reality into what we need.  Start by removing all the old speed limits!  Don’t be constrained by false assumptions about life and business.  It’s our job to inspire and convince others that the collective power of the organization can overcome any obstacle.  Anything is achievable – resources are infinite – and success is limitless, but only when we’re willing to replace our old beliefs about what’s possible.

Practically speaking, why not pursue goals like zero defects, immediate delivery, exponential revenue growth, and 100% consumer loyalty?  We help drive this change by building quality systems and organizational cultures that are rooted in continuous, never-ending, relentless improvement.  This type of “quantum thinking” is exactly how we can start outpacing the daunting rate of change in our world.

I’ll wrap up by sharing one of my favorite Jack Welch quotes: "If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, the end is near".