systems thinking

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.

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.”

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.

Old fashioned rotary phone with the receiver off ot the left, attached by a cord.

The Focus of Customer Service

By John Hunter / September 14, 2022 / 0 Comments

In this guest post, John Hunter uses his recent frustrating customer service experience to explore why Deming’s approach to customers, continual improvement, and determining your AIM is better for everyone.

White board with red and blue lines criss crossing and connecting small blocks of text in different languages.

Long Term Planning: Considering Climate Change

By John Hunter / August 18, 2022 / 2 Comments

In this guest post, John Hunter explores the problem of including – or not including – the impact of climate change in your long-term business plans.

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.

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.

image with text - Deming’s First Theorem: “Nobody gives a hoot about profits.”

Russell Ackoff: Solving Problems with an Appreciation for Systems

By John Hunter / July 5, 2022 / 0 Comments

In this guest post, John Hunter revisits a 2004 video of Russell Ackoff, and the lessons we can still learn from him.