Actuating the Leaders' Role Through Innovations in Quality Training

Total quality management (TQM) is one of the best strategies in the quest for excellence in the organization. However, statistics show that less than 30% of those who initiate the process succeed in achieving the TQM situation. In most cases, failures are traceable to poor leadership. In a broad sense, the four major roles of a corporate quality leader include: (a) active implementation of TQM’s ACCEPT principles; (b) role modeling to promote quality as a way of life; (c) installing a program of workplace cooperation to help sustain the TQM effort and; (d) utilizing innovative training approaches for people development and participation in the quest for quality. Actual experiences with several manufacturing and service companies in developing countries helped in formulating a systematic approach to TQM applicable to countries in transition, with emphasis on the human dimension and the involvement of all the people. There are six phases in the implementation: Phase I- Survey of the climate for TQM and introducing the concept of Workplace Cooperation (WPC); IIDeveloping a common language of quality; III- TQM and documentation; IV – Installing the mechanism and activating the process of Workplace Cooperati on for quality; V- Sustaining the TQM campaign through the joint efforts of the leadership and the company workforce, particularly in problem-solving; and VI- Continual review and capability-building. Each of the phases require innovative training programs for the workforce - not only fully supported, but also participated in by the management leaders. For purposes of the workshop, the discovery learning technique will be utilized, composed of short lecture-discussions, group dynamics and exercises allowing optimum interaction and active participation of the audience with the facilitators.

Keywords:

TQM principles , discovery- learning technique , workplace cooperation , Phases of TQM , capability-building