Jim L. Smith

Face of Quality

The Argument for Training

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

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.

Barriers Make for Teaching Opportunities

Jim L. Smith

July 2, 2013

As we journey along the path of life, it is inevitable that we are presented with challenges, stumbling blocks, and barriers which come in all shapes and sizes. Some come out of nowhere and we are unprepared to confront while others are more predictable and are easier to overcome.

Face of Quality

Establish a Culture of Sustained Improvement

It's more about rigor and discipline than technique.

Jim L. Smith

June 12, 2013

Should organizations focus on continual improvement or swing for the home run? To answer, we should ask ourselves two questions. “Are we making progress?” and “Are we better than competitors to the point of having a strategic advantage?”

Seize the Opportunities

Jim L. Smith

June 3, 2013

I was reading about Dr. Maxwell Martz, the American surgeon, who wrote several articles and books on the power of our self-image. Dr. Martz’s system of ideas was the frontrunner of the popular self-help books. I began thinking about what causes some people, more than others, to take advantage of opportunities.

Jim’s Gems: Self-Image is the Key

Jim L. Smith

May 28, 2013

During the course of this blog, we’ve written about the power and influence of our self-image, how we see ourselves. Self-image is also key to our earning power.