If you've worked in corporate America anytime in the last several decades, chances are you've heard about total quality management (TQM). Specific ins and outs of TQM theory have risen and fallen in popularity over the years, but the basic idea behind a total quality management system--improving process and performance to achieve long-term success--will never go out of style. Whether you're a business owner or part of a corporate team, a solid understanding of the elements can pay off in happier customers, happier employees and a bottom line profit that makes you happy.
Reams of total quality management information are available, but don't let that turn you off. Cutting this topic down to size and making it work for your specific situation is not as hard as it seems. The key is to find the best resources, and focus on real-life applications of the theory. Reduced to its most basic tenets, the elements of total quality management are:
1. Total quality management involves every person and process in the organization.
2. Quality products and services for the customer is top priority.
3. Management is responsible for hiring the right employees, providing a pleasant work environment and making sure the system works.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Hire a TQM consultant
A TQM consultant can provide a range of services designed to integrate TQM theory in the culture, organization and business processes of your company.
I recommend: Wolf Management Consultants work with all your organization’s members, and ensure that your infrastructure can support and sustain TQM efforts.
Organized Change Consultancy tailors its TQM approach to your business and preferences.
Train yourself in total quality management systems
You may think you're too busy to take a class, but principles of total quality management can actually cut down your workload while boosting your efficiency. Complete an online course at your own pace; the best ones mirror business school classes, integrating elements of total quality management with real-life implementation strategies you can use right away.
I recommend: Flex Study offers a comprehensive,
self-guided course in total quality management, from the history of total quality management theories to implementation of a total quality management system.
Lean Advisors, Inc. offers an online course with a set price for 20 users, each of whom can move at an individual pace.
Invest in your career with TQM certification
TQM quality certification doesn't just give you a well-rounded foundation in TQM management systems. Potential customers will appreciate your company's commitment to excellence and quality. Include the designation in your advertising brochures. On the personal side, when you list the TQM certification on your resume, you can give yourself an edge over the competition if you're looking for a job and actually increase your salary potential.
I recommend: The American Society for Quality is a recognized authority in
quality certification, and offers a variety of specialized certifications.
Rutgers School of Business offers online certification in total quality management.
Read as many total quality management articles as you can
Although TQM is a relatively easy system to learn, it will behoove you to read up on what others say about the efficiency, as well as pros and cons, of implementing TQM theory in your business practices.
I recommend: The Total Quality Management Free Article Library at Work911 lists several free total quality management articles.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Over-exposure of TQM in the 1980s and 1990s led to some backlash in the business world. Now the phrase "total quality management" is often shortened to "quality management."
The official source of Total Quality Management is
the Total Quality Management page at Business.com
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