QUALITY –  

Aim for Constant Improvements

        Most people are self-motivated, enjoy developing their skills and work best when they are given the freedom and the responsibility to get on with the job.

        Poor management and supervision or the use of inferior  resources and equipment can prevent an organisation giving clients the best service possible.

        Quality can always be improved.

        Quality improves faster if people have a stake in the business.

        Shifting responsibilities from inspectors to workers can cut costs and improve quality.

        Quality products and services, like public relations, depend on all staff making an effort.

A handful of tips to improve the quality of a product or a service

* Staff selection and training are critical

        Select staff carefully.

        Don’t delegate staff selection to others.

        Be fussy and set high standards.  

        Select  ambitious people.

        All staff, including top management, should undergo constant training.

        Some successful organisations recommend training small groups and, once they are fully trained, getting each member to train others.

        Mentoring is an excellent training tool.        

Choose experienced workers to coach and train new employees to the required standards.

* Treat employees with respect

        People don’t like being bossed and told what they should be doing.

        Consult staff over problems and give them responsibilities for decision making once they are fully trained.

        Autocratic management and excessive supervision can reduce output and the quality of service to clients.

*  Set high standards

       Source  high-quality materials for products, use up-to-date equipment and hire good designers.

       Your people will take a greater interest in their work if they are proud of all aspects of the operation.  

* Aim for constant improvement

       Evaluate all activities constantly. “What was successful?  What mistakes did we make? How can we do better next time?”

       Make it a game with rewards for new ways of doing tasks.

       Set up quality circles where workers meet regularly to identify, analyse and solve work-related problems.  If well organised, this can be fun and rewarding.

* Delegate responsibilities         

Services and the quality of products improve if there is good communication in organisations and everyone knows the rules and the standards required.

       Delegate decision-making to front line staff. Too many leaders and too many instructions clog up a business.

       If you put a name on a product you should NEVER produce a faulty item!

       Quality is never an accident. It is the result of planning, teamwork and a commitment to excellent.  

Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Standards will drop unless you refuse to accept anything but the best.”

For those in need,  download our FREE book “NO JOB! WHAT NOW? available from our website.

Source: Time-Savers, Moss Associates .Ltd  New Zealand; McGraw-Hill, Australia; Times Business Books,  a Federal Publishing House, Singapore and  Qingdao Publishing House, China.