Re: Moderator Editorial (Clauson)

["Steven G. Brant" <trimtab@sprynet.com>]

I also support Jim's initiative to move the DEN away from the "who knows
what Dr. Deming said" mode.

To me, Dr. Deming is like the Wright brothers.  As the Wright brothers
identified the principles that made heavier-than-air flying machines
possible, Dr. Deming identified and taught the principles of optimal
human/organizational/systemic performance that also exist in (human) nature.
 

However -- just as today's aeronautical scientists and engineers have
extended the work of the Wright brothers (otherwise we'd never have gotten
to the SR-71 Blackbird and the Space Shuttle) -- IMOHO today's quality
practitioners need to extend (not just restate) and expand the use of the
work of Dr. Deming.

One example from my own work: I have recognized the potential of the SoPK to
be applied to the field of international development since at least 1995
(the 50th anniversary of the United Nations).  The newspapers are filled
with reports regarding the trouble the world's leaders are having figuring
out how to make our post-Cold War economic system work.  (Of course, they
are!  Their work is based on a "you or me" design that is obsolete!  The
world's people - the customers - want a world where everyone wins!!)

In January of 1999, I organized a panel presentation on Systems Thinking (at
which Clare Crawford-Mason spoke) at the Global Meeting of Generations
conference organized by the IDC. (http://www.idc.org/gmg)  This "new
thinking" was well received by those who attended.

The year 2000, however, is turning out to be a breakthrough year.  (a) I
have received preliminary expression of interest from the State of the World
Forum to arrange for similar presentations at their conference in November. 
(b) I have also been hired to write and/or edit the content for a new
international development website being developed by the Buckminster Fuller
Institute. (c) The OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and
Development) will be talking about whole system issues at their annual
conference (and first-time-ever Knowledge Fair) in Paris in late June.

There's more I could say (including what Tore Lende is doing, but I'll leave
that up to him to explain), but my main point is this...

We have the opportunity to take the SoPK out into areas of society where
it's never been before...to people who would love to learn what we've
learned (and continue to learn) if they knew this knowledge
existed...because it is the route to them having what they say they
want...global prosperity for all!

I've often wondered why the home page for the Deming Institute no longer
says that the Institute's aim is to create "peace".  That's what used to be
at the end of then sentence.  Now is just says "to foster understanding..." 
But "understanding" for its own sake doesn't get you anywhere.  IMHO,
understanding is part of the method.  One uses the SoPK (which requires one
understand it) in service of achieving an "aim".  Isn't world peace
humanity's ultimate aim?  I think most of the world's leaders would say it
is.  So, there's the opportunity...

And I've probably rambled on for too long already...

But I hope I've contributed something (or at least stirred up the pot) on
the subject of the value in moving the DEN beyond where it's been, as Jim so
appropriately has suggested we do.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts,

Steve
--------------------------------------------
Steven G. Brant
Founder & Principal
Trimtab Management Systems
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Brooklyn, NY 11218-1764 USA
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