We’re continuing our series on Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s 14 Principles of Management with a conversation on Adopting the New Philosophy – Deming’s second point. One of the key points in Deming’s philosophy is the emphasis on adopting a new way of thinking, known as the “New Philosophy” – particularly for leaders.
Importance of Active Leadership and Collaboration
Active leadership and collaboration play a pivotal role in driving organizational success, and at Amtech we’re continually emphasizing the importance of leadership as we continue understanding and implementing Deming’s principles. For us, actively involving leaders in the transformation process is crucial for developing a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
For us, “adopting the new philosophy” has involved a significant transformation of processes and systems to streamline operations, enhance product quality, and achieve higher levels of efficiency. Effective leadership and collaboration are essential for driving sustainable improvements in performance and customer satisfaction – which means our culture has to be one of excellence.
Culture Shift towards Excellence and Success
The “new philosophy,” at least as we see it as an evolution of leadership in modern manufacturing, is marked by a shift towards a culture of excellence – but also curiosity. Embracing the New Philosophy means prioritize employee engagement, empowerment, and accountability – which naturally requires employee involvement in the processes in the first place. This new approach is valuable, but comes with its own set of challenges, including resistance to change and cultural barriers.
At Amtech, we celebrate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning so we can develop higher levels of productivity and performance. Our leaders must actively promote a culture of excellence to ensure long-term success and sustainability. This is probably the essential takeaway on defining the “new philosophy” – that collaboration among, not control of or commands from, is what’s required of modern leadership.
Intersection with Customer Experience
Sometimes the project of adopting the new philosophy can take on a meaning of its own, but we have to continually remember why it matters. For us, the customer experience is a top priority to differentiate ourselves in our marketing. Deming’s principles align with this customer-centric approach by emphasizing the importance of understanding and meeting customer expectations. By definition, when we can adopt and practice new leadership philosophies, we can ultimately enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Aligning with customer expectations requires us to focus on quality, consistency, and responsiveness. The New Philosophy encourages us to prioritize customer needs and preferences in all aspects of our operations, at every touchpoint, from everybody involved. By delivering exceptional customer experiences, we can build long-lasting relationships with our clients. The more and better we know them, the more useful and responsive we can be to their needs.
Challenges and Opportunities in Adopting the New Philosophy
Of course, like any organization, we encounter challenges in embracing this new way of thinking. Resistance to change, lack of buy-in from some employees, and entrenched organizational processes can hinder the implementation of Deming’s principles. However, there are strategies that can be employed to overcome these obstacles.
For us, that means open communication, providing training and support, and leading by example. Not surprisingly, these characteristics again touch on culture, which is really what Deming’s 14 Points are asking us to evaluate. Successfully navigating the transition towards a culture of continuous improvement and excellence far outweighs the challenges, leading to enhanced performance, profitability, and sustainability.
Conclusion
As we uncover Deming’s points, we want to share them from our own perspective while also encouraging you to think about your business. Deming’s Point and the New Philosophy represent a paradigm shift in how to approach management, quality, and leadership. By embracing these principles, we can drive change, enhance customer satisfaction, and cultivate a culture of excellence and success. As our CEO Jay Patel aptly puts it, “The journey towards excellence is a collective effort that requires active leadership, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement.”