Re: ASQ & 6 Sigma

[Linda Bankoski <bankoski@quality.org>]

I expect to be roundly criticized for my view here but I have decided that
it is better to risk speaking an unpopular view than to remain silent.

First my deep gratitude to Myron for attending and speaking at the ASQ
conference.

IMHO this conference was one of the poorest both in attendence, content and
direction. The hopes of the "voices of the DEN" may be coming true.  By
chosing to curse the darkness in ASQ rather than to bring their candles,
the DEN is helping to kill it.  Will the world be a better place then?  I
once complained to a colleague that I rarely heard anything new or
challenging at AQC and my friend (a person who LIVES according to Deming's
philosophy and SHARES broadly) said  "of course you aren't challenged by
it, you are a leader of them and ahead of them."  That has given me the
courage to speak up many times!!!  So my question to all those who aren't
involved is "If you can't learn, why don't you teach?" I go every year
hoping to hear personally from the great voices and authors- Bill S., Frank
V., Bill Latzko, and so many others 'heard' here. And in spite of their
absence, I continue to learn.

I,too, am very disturbed by the 6 sigma hype.  Some of what is being taught
is very damaging!!  Such messages as "The most important thing is the
'bottom line'."  If the new people hear only that message why do you blame
them?---"How could they know?" (WED)

For evil to prevail, it is not because of the actions of evil people, it is
for good people to do nothing!

I am sorry that I didn't get to hear more of the DEN voices this year.
Will I hear you next year or will you continue to spend your energy in
front of a computer screen in lieu of investing your energy in front of
"willing workers/learners" at the ASQ conference?

Let the berating begin!

(PS-I will be traveling in a developing country for the next two weeks so I
will not be able to respond quickly to any responses.  Timing is everything
;)  )

Linda Bankoski, 24 Bridle Brook Lane, Newark, DE 19711
Phone: (302) 368-7269  Fax: (302) 368-8169  email:bankoski@quality.org
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