Deming Philosophy

Dr. Deming in his 80s, standing with his back to the audience writing on a green chalkboard. He is wearing a blue sports coat, has a bald head, and wears glasses.

A Beginner’s Guide to Control Charts

By Christina Dragonetti / June 15, 2023 / 1 Comment

The Deming philosophy is like an onion: it’s got layers. I’ve been studying the System of Profound Knowledge and all it entails for almost 2 years, and I’m at layer 4 or 5, I think. I love the aspects I understand and how my thinking has changed. Plus, I’m constantly learning new things that shift […]

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Kevin Goes to the Tugboat Evergreen Conference

By Christina Dragonetti / March 15, 2023 / 0 Comments

Last year, our Executive Director Kevin Cahill spoke at the Tugboat Institute’s Evergreen Conference where he discussed his grandfather’s philosophy, his impact on the world, and how modern businesses can grow and thrive by putting people first.

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Various charts hung on a white board.

The Insanity of Extrinsic Motivation

By Christina Dragonetti / January 20, 2023 / 1 Comment

In this post, Doug Stilwell shares the story of his friend’s annual sales competition and asks: Is everyone motivated to work harder if they might win a trip to Hawaii? Does the competition result in more overall sales for the company?

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Close up of a white woman's face with her mascara smeared to the sides of her eyes, holding a white piece of paper in front of her with a line drawing of a smiley mouth. The effect is a woman who is very unhappy but faking a smile for others.

Quiet Quitting From a Deming Perspective

By Christina Dragonetti / December 15, 2022 / 0 Comments

The phenomenon of “quiet quitting” (also called “employee disengagement”) is frustrating leaders and managers across industries. But looking at the problem through the Deming lens means finding workable solutions that can strengthen relationships.

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A box with office supplies next to a clipboard with a sheet of paper that says "layoff" on it and a man with his head and fist on the desk indicating devastation.

Looking at Layoffs Through the Deming Lens

By Bill Bellows / November 16, 2022 / 1 Comment

In this guest post Bill Bellows looks at recent layoff announcements from a Deming point of view. Who is responsible for company failures? What is Ford doing differently? What happens when companies target “poor performers” and how easy it is to “do the wrong thing right.”

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Green crops in rows with a sunrise sky above them.

Bees, Ants, Elephants, and Crops: Systemic Thinking for Innovation

By John Hunter / September 27, 2022 / 0 Comments

In this guest post by John Hunter, he explores how using Deming systemic thinking leads to innovation, when the urge to “just do what we’ve always done” is strong.

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Dr. Deming holding a bouquet of flowers shaking hands with factory workers in Japan.

W. Edwards Deming is Not a Method or Program

By Christina Dragonetti / September 6, 2022 / 2 Comments

In this guest post, Ed Baker describes how the Deming philosophy is a unique and all-encompassing way of thinking. Unlike TQM, Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and other programs promoted to improve quality and productivity, Deming is not simply a checklist, program, or set of methods for managers.

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Series of wooden gears in a horizontal line, each held by a person's fingers.

Why Did the Management System Allow the Failure?

By John Hunter / August 8, 2022 / 0 Comments

In this guest post, John Hunter explores the questions management should ask when there’s a failure or problem, rather than blaming an individual.

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Image of Deming Chain Reaction - text: Improve Quality —> Costs decrease because of less rework, fewer mistakes, fewer delays, snags, better use of machine-time and materials —> Productivity Improves —> Capture the market with better quality and lower price —> Stay in Business —> Provide jobs and more jobs

Using Customer Feedback to Drive Continual Improvement

By John Hunter / July 18, 2022 / 0 Comments

In this guest post, John Hunter focuses on how improving the quality of your products or services cuts costs.

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Part of a compass sitting on map grid lines, in yellow and sepia tones.

Beginning the Deming Journey: a Newbie’s Perspective

By Christina Dragonetti / July 12, 2022 / 4 Comments

New to The Deming Institute, Christina Dragonetti describes the beginning of her Deming journey, reflects on a previous employer’s disaster when they only went halfway with Deming, and offers examples and tips for others early in their Deming journey.

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