RE: The Deming Algorithm (challenge to Steve Prevette)

["Prevette, Steven S" <Steven_S_Prevette@rl.gov>]

Peter stated " I would like to challenge Steve on the question of how to
transform a worst of the worst organization into a best of the best
organization by presenting us with the simplest possible algorithm for
installing and cultivating the Deming philosophy.  What is the shortest
possible algorithm for doing this, do you think, given that both
management and organizational culture is beyond hopelessness and you are
an insider with absolutely no formal organizational power."

"Just Do It" is a gut reaction.

Hmm.  Certainly a good early morning brain-teaser.  I will make the
assumption that the only person we can change is ourselves.  And I will
credit Tom Peters (and especially his book Re-Imagine) as I write this.
In your own role within this organization, apply SOPK to yourself.  As
you deal with numbers (and we all do in some manner) consider what you
could do as you take in numerical information in order to apply
knowledge of variation to improve the knowledge provided by the numbers
and pass it on to someone else.  Find who is using the data, and show
them what can be done.  As you deal with people, consider psychology.
Consider that you have control over yourself, over your own actions and
you have a choice in how to present yourself.  (credit "Choice Theory"
here, a recent discussion on the In2InThinking network)  As you deal
with systems, consider what insights can be gained by systems thinking.

Now, sometimes I have considered what would happen if everyone in an
organization did this.  Would there be chaos of all sorts of thinking
going off in all sorts of directions and no work get done?  Maybe it is
fortunate only a few of us are willing to try to push a system like
this.  

Back to Tom Peters.  He pushes the idea of a "Wow!" (exclamation mark
included) project.  Apply the Deming philosophy to whatever it is you
are working on.  Tom Peters points out - even if you have been assigned
to honcho the annual picnic, make it a "Wow!" picnic that folks will
remember.  Success breeds success.

Tom also states you are never so powerful as when you have no power.
Employees watch vice presidents like a hawk.  I am reminded of a Dilbert
cartoon of when the employees (and the boss) were trying to figure out
the meaning of a belch the vice president made while eating a taco.  If
you are under the organization radar, you can experiment, and no one
will notice a failure.  Use your insider status.  "They" will notice a
success.  Find out who that "they" is and hook up with them.  Sell
yourself to others, make yourself valuable to other organizations within
the system.

Tom also has a cartoon of a headstone - "I would have done great things,
but my boss wouldn't let me".  Don't let that be yours.

Well, it all fits on one computer screen, so it may not be the shortest
possible algorithm, but I believe it is feasible.  It is interesting
that Dr. Deming gained the advantage of working with the "top people"
but at some point in his life he must have started as a lowly insider.

Steve Prevette
Occupational Safety and Health
Fluor Hanford, A Fluor Government Group Project
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer
steven_s_prevette@rl.gov
509-373-9371