Challenging Stereotypes: Bridging the Gap Between Generations and Fostering Growth in the Quality Sector.
In a recent Workforce Insight survey, a startling revelation emerged: less than two in five quality department professionals feel highly valued within their organisations. This sheds light on a fundamental misconception – that quality, by its nature, sells itself. The prevailing sentiment suggests that the quality profession, historically rooted in risk aversion, needs a transformative overhaul in both perception and practice.
Unveiling the 'Stick' Perception
The historical perception of quality has been akin to a proverbial stick, swift in reaction when issues arise, often viewed as an obstacle rather than a facilitator. The negative-perception spiral has hindered collaboration, with the quality department seen as an entity to be consulted reluctantly when problems emerge.
Communication and Rapport: The Overlooked Skills
Reflecting on decades past, the quality department often attracted those approaching retirement or seeking a change from other skilled roles. Colloquial labels such as the 'failed engineers' department or the 'police' resonated within workplaces, perpetuating the notion that quality was a profession without innovation or dynamism.
The profession, laden with the responsibility of delivering potentially 'bad' news, underscores the need for effective communication and rapport-building skills. The often-overlooked 'soft' skills are crucial for framing the focus on systemic errors and promoting collaborative solutions.
The Call for Change: Perception and Framing
To challenge the stereotype that compliance lacks allure, a fundamental shift is proposed – moving from the belief that quality is inherently valuable to an understanding that it is relative and contextual. This involves changing the narrative from a focus on standards and regulations to recognising quality as a dynamic concept decided upon by each individual within a business.
Closing the Generational Gap: A Career Choice in Evolution
As the quality profession undergoes a natural evolution, the significant generational gap is narrowing. Quality is transitioning from a career chosen towards the end of one's professional journey to a field where individuals make a difference through proactive leadership rather than staunchly defending limits.
From 'Away From' to 'Towards' Thinking
The shift in mindset urges quality professionals to transition from 'away from' thinking, centred on avoidance, to 'towards' thinking, focused on gaining and improving. This reframe positions quality not as a mitigator of risk but as an enabler of growth and expansion, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving.
Benefits of Reframing: A Collaborative Culture
The benefits of this reframe are threefold. Firstly, it encourages active engagement with quality, enabling knowledge sharing and proactive problem identification. Secondly, it improves accessibility and interaction by altering perceptions of quality within businesses and industries. Lastly, it assists in supporting and facilitating the narrative of the end-user within businesses, defining acceptable behaviours and fostering a safe and trusting perception of the industry.
In conclusion, the proposed paradigm shift advocates for a collaborative culture where everyone within a business is suitably aware, knowledgeable, and trained in quality techniques. By embracing a reframed perception of quality, businesses stand to reap the benefits of a more engaged, adaptable, and growth-oriented environment.
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