Re: Applying the Deming Philosophy

[John <jsdwd@ksc.th.com>]

on 8/6/01 12:57 pm, Jim Clauson at jim@jclauson.com wrote:
> "I remember that Joyce Orsini was once asked 'Is there any experience
> of applying the Deming Philosophy to plumbing'"
> 
> She replied 'No, you are really lucky: there is none at all.'"
> 
> I would be very interested to hear how DENizens would interpret Joyce's
> statement.

One time in 1980 at Nashua Corp. (where I worked), Deming had rather
painstakingly explained to the head of the purchasing department what he
(Deming) considered the role of purchasing to be and other items related to
Point #4 of the 14 Points.  As he concluded he asked the purchasing managers
if he had any thoughts about what had been discussed.

"Well, not really", said the man, knowing it was the wrong answer, but not
knowing what else to say, "I don't really see how what you've said applies
to me."

"It doesn't." Deming said.  "It doesn't apply to you at all.  It's all for
my benefit."  Whereupon, he got up and left.


Perhaps that's a clue as to what Joyce was getting at.  I don't know what
she meant...you might ask her.,,,I'd be guessing.

John Dowd
jsdwd@ksc.th