Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Many people who have failed to successfully implement Dr. Deming’s principles complain about the lack of a “how to” approach. For instance, there is no do a., then do b., next c., and d. and then e. Unfortunately, like most of life itself, solutions do not work that way. There is no structured set of solutions to business problems. Problems that exist are varied and infinite. Instead there are guidelines and theory that allow those that learn them to solve their own problems, with much greater success.

The fourteen points are a guideline for solving the problems of business. In order to use them, a manager must understand them and this takes time and effort. Once understood, they must be employed to be useful. This is not unlike any tool, such as a lab scope. In order to be useful, it must be used. A person must understand what the instrument is telling them. A step by step guide for connecting the scope will not help a person without knowledge, to repair a vehicle. Instead they must have a knowledge of the tool and the vehicle they wish to repair. With this knowledge, the tool can be adapted in any of several fashions, as needed to solve the problem.

By the same token a lab scope alone will rarely be sufficient to repair the vehicle. Rather it is a tool, used with other tools and knowledge to produce results. The fourteen points are much the same, each point works with the others and all are necessary. For instance, a person might read and agree with point six. They decide training is the tool they need. They spend a great deal on training, yet may see few results.

Perhaps fear [point 8] keeps the training from being implemented? Perhaps working with low grade parts [point 4] from the lowest priced supplier prevents pride of workmanship [point 12]?

There is no step by step answer to the problems as complex as running a business. Instead working to change the things that cause problems is the solution. Point one for instance tells us we must adopt constancy of purpose. This is a way of life, a way of seeing things with a long-term focus. There is no step by step guide for changing the way we look at things. Rather we must come to realize how the short-term reactions to symptoms does not solve the long-term problems. This realization helps us understand why the effort we put into solving a problem is an investment rather than an expense.

In studying the fourteen points and trying to apply them there will be periods when it seems little is occurring. There will also be “Ah Ha” moments, where another large revelation falls into place. This will be different for each person and for every problem solved. Seek to understand the concepts and look for ways to apply them. Once learned, problem solving becomes natural. At this point the though of someone telling you “how to” will seem strange.

_________________
Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA

[Dave]

I wish there was more of a How To set of instructions. It seems that a lot of time is wasted trying to figure out and understand the theory. Maybe it was not wasted, I have learned several ways not to things.

I feel most of us learn new things with a step by step guide. Then we take what we learned and apply it further. When working on a new system in a vehicle I will follow a flow chart, a step by step process. After doing the same process a few times, understanding they system and the theory behind the system I can now jump into the middle of the middle of the flow chart to trouble shoot the system.

I first learned mechanical things by watching and helping my Dad. He took things apart and put them back together with a step by step process. I learned how to change oil step one, two and so on. Several years have passed and I am still learning automobile theory. If I had waited until understanding the theory I probably would not be doing what I do.

This may be why many of us are willing to pay large amounts for a solution. We need or want that step by step process. We can follow it and see the results. It is comfortable and familiar.

_________________
David Wittmayer
Owner / Manager
Hansen Enterprises Fleet Repair, LLC
Camp Verde, AZ
www.hefrshop.com

[Louis Altazan]

Hi Dave,