Re: FW: Where is the Evidence?

[DANSWART@aol.com]

In a message dated 5/10/99 10:25:14 PM Pacific Daylight Time, WMack@PEC.com 
writes:

<< Let's not get hung up in whether the number is 90%, or 89%,
 or 93.456%. >>

[Speaking now as an accountant]  What number do you want it to be?  I'll see 
that we reach it!   ;-)


<< It doesn't matter and the number is probably immeasurable any way.  Focus 
on the key part of the
message.  The vast majority of problems should be assigned to the system, not 
to individuals.
 
 Wayne Mack >>

[Speaking now as a DENizen]  I understand what Wayne is saying here, and I 
like to think of Dr. Deming's statement more like an "order of operations" 
rule.  FIRST, investigate the system THEN look to the individual.  The order 
in which you investigate the problem seems to be the important message.  
One's entire way of thinking is then changed-profoundly.  When I approach the 
"system vs individual" concepts with others, I find it best to withhold my 
personal conclusions about the source of most problems and, instead, 
encourage the spirit of investigation.  If people feel your "investigation" 
of the system is merely to support your preconceived, insane assertion that 
people are not the source of most problems, they are not as likely to be 
receptive to new information.  I recommend teaching them the "order of 
investigation" and let them discover for themselves by experience, data and 
learning what Mr. Taurman found.  (Isn't this thread an excellent example of 
"peer review?"  Where else but the DEN is EVERYTHING challenged and 
discussed?)

Dan Swart
danswart@aol.com
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