Request: Systems thinking for management

["pwagstaff" <pwagstaff@supanet.com>]

Nigel's situation brings to mind some words of Myron Tribus albeit given in
a different context.
Quote:
The advice of Mahatma Ghandi is appropriate.  He said: The only form in
which democracy dare appear before the peasant is as food.  I translate this
as follows: The only form is which quality principles dare appear before
managers is as a solution to the problems that bedevil them most.
End Quote
The focus then should be on providing practical help to resolve problems
currently perceived by the management.  If successful, opportunity to
introduce theory and philosophy will arise naturally.

A second point is to be careful of the words used to when talking about
transformation.
Although there is no doubt that the Deming Philosophy will help any
organisation, the words used by people explaining it may bring with them
unwanted associations and negative connotations.  The choice of terminology
needs to be appropriate to the organisation's culture rather than following
text books or even Deming's writings.

Best of luck in any event.

Paul Wagstaff
Noverton Cottage, Noverton Lane, Prestbury, Cheltenham, GL52 5DD
Phone and Fax: 01242-228481   E-Mail: pwagstaff@supanet.com