Japan became a post World War II economic giant because they followed W. Edward Deming’s 14 points. That’s why the Japanese car makers are now beating Detroit at it’s own game when “Made in Japan” use to mean cheap trinkets.
They are framed in terms of a manufacturing environment. You might say that the people who have used it most effectively in the US is Wal-Mart and their quest for “Every Day Low Prices” that attempts to drive waste out of the distribution system at every point and provide continually lower prices.
Here are Deming’s points. How could they apply to you?
1. Constancy of Purpose that is focused on long term excellence instead of short term profits.
2. A New Philosophy (in that case it meant taking the business to a new level of excellence out of the “trinket” stage).
3. Cease Dependence on Mass Inspection - build quality into every step.
4. Don’t buy on price alone - demand price and quality correlate.
5. Improve every process continually
6. Institute continual on the job training for all levels of employee
7. Institute leadership
8. Drive out fear
9. Break down barriers
10. Eliminate exhortations
11. Eliminate arbitrary numerical targets
12. Permit pride of workmanship
13. Encourage education
14. Top management must commit to these steps
John Hunter on October 28th, 2007 at 7:12 am
For more of Deming’s ideas see: Deming on Management