Connecting the Dots - Basic Terms
Dots. Fundamental building blocks that are an integral part of success. Includes the following:
Variation. Law of nature. No two people or things ever exactly alike. Represents the difference between the ideal and actual. Causes of variation classified as common (usual, normal, expected) or special (unusual, abnormal, unexpected.). Description of Variation - ASQ.
Problem. A problem is never solved because variation is never eliminated. A problem represents an unacceptable degree of variation; a “solved” problem represents an acceptable degree of variation.
Ideal. Standard of perfection that can never be achieved. Uniquely defined by the stakeholders.
Choice - Winning and Losing. Choice is the exercise of free will. Results of action can be classified into four categories: Everybody benefits (win/win), I win/you lose or I lose/you win (win/lose) we both lose (lose/lose).
Love. Love is probably the most powerful and positive emotion we possess. Actions motivated by Love (positive action that benefits others-win/win) supports a commitment to the the pursuit of excellence. God is Love.
Values. Something regarded as desirable, worthy, or right as a belief or ideal.
Perfection. Highest standard of excellence.
Excellence. Synonymous with quality.
Excellent Quality. Result of doing the right things, right.
Quality: Three Types: Perceived, Actual, Expected. Perceived quality is what you think it is, Expected is what you think it will be, and Actual is based more on objective observations or facts.
Efficiency. Doing things right.
Effectiveness. Doing the right things.
Moral. Pertaining to the character of behavior from the point of view of right and wrong.
Ethics. A philosophy or system of morals. Ethical behavior (action) in accordance with right principles.
Right. Positive action than benefits others, good.
Wrong. Negative action (to include inaction) that harms others, bad, evil.
Process. Action, doing. A process includes the people, methods, materials, equipment, information, etc., required to transform inputs into outputs to achieve expected results.
System. Collection of processes with a common aim. System determines over 94% of results.
System - Stable. Contains only common causes. If you always do what you always did, on average, you will usually get what you always got. Other terms: Routines, habits, comfort zones.
Unstable system. Contains both common and special causes.
Stakeholder. Anyone effected by the action (process) in the near, mid, or long-term.
Progress and Innovation:
– Short Description: Synonymous with improvement.
– Longer Version: Innovation refers to making meaningful change to improve products, services, processes, or organizational effectiveness, and to create new value for stakeholders. Innovation involves the adoption of an idea, process, technology, or product that is either new or new to its proposed application. (Ref: ASQ Business Plan)
Optimization. Maximum benefit with the minimum amount resources.
Leadership. In an organizational context, influencing others by providing purpose, direction, and motivation while operating to accomplish the vision and mission of the organization. Should result in developing and maintaining individual and group capabilities that continually improves the organization.
Leader. Anyone (any age) that inspires and influences one or more people to accomplish something. The “something” could be good or bad.
Quality Leaderership. Leadership with an aim to bring about positive outcomes for everyone effected by the change.
Reducing variation. Connects the DOTs. In summary:
Reducing variation from the ideal requires leadership and is accomplished through processes and systems (action). The ideal represents a standard of perfection that is uniquely defined by the stakeholders. Perfection is the highest standard of excellence. Excellence is synonymous with quality. Excellent quality is the result of doing the right things, right. Efficiency is doing things right and effectiveness is doing the right things.
Quality Leadership is leadership that results in right/positive outcomes.
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