I recently noticed a job profile for a "Continuous improvement Co-ordinator" which mentioned supporting / coaching leaders to work in a "4GM" way. It's not something I've heard of before - can anybody out there enlighten me please??

I've never heard of it. Anyone else?

4GM is short for Fourth Generation Management. It refers to the fourth generation of management paradigms mostly associated with Dr W Edwards Deming.
You can read a full explanation of the origins of this term on my website: www.4gm.com (http://www.4gm.com)

Paul,
I liked your definition;

Only 4th Generation Management recognises the need for a whole systems approach to managing chaos.

I think that the principle behind ISO 9001/2 is the recognition that there has to be a whole systems approach to management. I certainly don't see this reflected in the bulk of the discussion re the standard, nor in it's implementation, but I see it when I read 4.1 and 4.2.

I'm not questioning your 4GM - it seems like a good approach to an old problem and, because of the misconceptions and misuse of ISO 9001/2 and the probability that this will get worse, rather than better, maybe I should be thinking of a fresh approach as well.

I'd like to hear your opinion of this. I'll be interested to have a look at your website in detail but haven't had a chance yet. Good luck with the business.

rgds,
John C

[This message has been edited by John C (edited 02 July 2000).]