The typical quality process has been slow to start and difficult to sustain. Many have been abandoned in disappointment. Most improvement efforts involve only a small percentage of employees. The results have been hard to quantify. We thought quality improvement would guarantee jobs and assure their future.
Management spins the wheel when the current improvement program loses momentum.
This time, the pointer landed on Quality. Fortunately, we have a chance to learn why the Improvement Game doesn't work very well. There are several contributing factors. Each different program has had its own sponsor and focus, along with new terminology, tools and techniques. Because the programs changed frequently, employees received limited training, little reinforcement, and didn't have time to build confidence or skills.