This month, I'm honored to speak at the ASQ Columbus (Ohio) Section’s annual conference on the theme "What is in Your Toolbox?" I'll discuss the seven basic quality tools I've extensively used over my 30+ years as a quality professional. Interestingly, unlike with my children, I do have a favorite among these tools.

Problem solving should always begin with listening. Where does it hurt? What are your symptoms? What have you tried already?

My passion for conferences and trade shows, ideal for expanding knowledge and networks, is well-known. The Quality Show South is a prime opportunity for practitioners and continuous improvement professionals to connect, access cutting-edge software and technology, and enhance their careers.

ASQ’s purpose is to empower individuals and communities of the world to achieve excellence through quality. While it can be summed up in one sentence, how it goes about fulfilling it requires a novel to explain.

Over the years I had not given this topic of ASQ’s future studies much thought until I received a gut punch of reality in October 2015. That was the year of the first Quality Show.

Have you ever had the inclination to start your own business but were confronted with the dilemma of not knowing how to run all aspects of a business?

Now that my hair has turned gray, I periodically think back and consider “what if …” What if I had chosen a different major in college? What if I had not taken a specific job opportunity?

I have been an ASQ member since 1990 and have served continuously as an ASQ member leader (aka volunteer) for 30-plus years. One of the many benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to observe, up close, how ASQ goes about practicing what it preaches.

Recently I attended two separate meetings where the topic of Job 1 and Job 2 was discussed.  This topic was new to several of my coworkers and it was something I had not heard discussed in probably 20 years.  For those of you not familiar with Job 1 and Job 2, allow me to explain:

ASQ empowers individuals of the world to achieve excellence through quality. It is composed of passionate people who use their tools, ideas and expertise to make our world better.