How to push myself to be a better quality people

[Clarence.L]

I am really new in quality field, just one and a half year, I am really interested in it and wanna to improve my knowledge, what should I do?

Many thanks.

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Originally Posted by Clarence.L

I am really interested in it and wanna to improve my knowledge, what should I do?

Hello Clarence, and welcome to the Cove Yes, it is an interesting field, isn't it? Well, for one thing, you could do a lot worse than taking part in the discussions here in the Cove. I have learned a lot here, and still do. The collective knowledge base available here is awsome. Apart from that: do what you are obviously doing already: Ask for advice, look around and generally soak up information.

What are you going to use the knowledge you are gaining for? If you can give us a bit of information about your tasks we may be able to give better advice.

/Claes

[The Taz!]

Welcome to the COVE!

I agree with my Swedish Brother Claes. .

The first requirement is DESIRE. . . you must want to be a Quality Professional. It is an INTERSTING field as Claes stated. . . you must also atune yourself to pain and frustration. . .as well as the feeling of accomplishment.

ATTITUDE is a prerequisite. . . you must discipline yourself to do what is right. . .even if it is not popular.

I was once asked the question, "When should a Quality Professional deviate from what is right?" the correct answer is NEVER. . . and NEVER give up on what is right. You may have a bumpy road ahead at times, but you will be able to sleep nights and look at yourself in the mirror in the morning without feeling regret.

You will learn PATIENCE. . . either the easy way. .. or the hard way. . .

Life is a patient teacher. . . life's lessons WILL be repeated until learned.

Show RESPECT to others as you would want to be respected. . .

LISTEN more than you talk. . . the idea you do not listen to may be the one that works best. . .

LEAD and TEACH. . . don't lecture, debase, or criticize people. . . you can be the guiding light. . . or the hated one depending on your approach. . . a Dictator has to watch their backs all the time. . .a leader doesnt'. . .

You were (or will be) hired to do a job. . . DO the job you were hired to do to the best of your ability. INTEGRITY will be your mantra. . .

LEARN . . NEVER STOP LEARNING . . learn about the people, learn about the product . . Learn about the processes. . . learn the Quality tools. . . learn about change management. . .

Enough of the philosophical stuff . . . again, Welcome!

[RCBeyette]

Hi, Clarence, and Welcome to the Cove!

Interesting question...and totally applicable to those of us who have been in the "Quality field" for what seems like a long time (around 10 years for me), not just those new to it.

As Claes pointed out, you've taken a great first step by joining us here in the Cove. It's an amazing resource...and while you may think that you're asking all of the questions right now, eventually you'll be the one helping others!

I totally agree with Taz and the comment on learning. Never stop learning...and never lose the desire to learn. Not just on quality issues, either. The more you learn, the more well-rounded you are. You could focus on professional development - socializing, networking, public speaking, teamwork, communication, etc. You could focus on other professional fields - business law (e.g., harassment, workers rights, etc.). And my personal favourite, you could learn about humanity (e.g., history, politics, world issues, etc.). Not only does this knowledge help you in understanding other people and how to communicate with them, it can also make you the life of the party with your friends.

Take a course from the local college. Not always on the professional side, too. Photography, art appreciation, and those courses that many of might have laughed at once-upon-a-time can be very helpful. Not only do they provide a finer appreciation for the cultural side of life, but it may also provide you with the ability to have some nice conversations with some of senior managers when taking breaks in long meetings. This can help them to see you as a person, not just "that quality person"...and they can help you when you need it.

Network! Are there any quality groups or business groups local to you? Join them! Join a gym!...I do great socializing there with other business people and they are always prompting me to learn more (fyi, I admit it takes some getting used to when you're discussing liability issues in the automotive industry while lifting weights).

But most of all....to keep up the desire...always ask questions!

[Clarence.L]

Thanks ~ Claes, Taz & Queen of Nagging

[Greg B]

Originally Posted by Clarence.L

Thanks ~ Claes, Taz & Queen of Nagging

Clarence,

Welcome to the cove. It is good to see that you have asked a question then thanked everyone for their replies. I see that you have also viewed Roxane's 'Profile'. You are a braver person than I. 'The Queen of Nagging' what a hoot

Anyway, I agree with Claes, Taz and Roxane. Learn everything and anything you can. Quality Assurance is as much about Business, Science, Statistics and Engineering as it is about common sense. You will find yourself following the path of QA to the letter when one day you open your eyes and see that it is not just about the 'Standard' but more about the business as a whole and how it all ties together. It is like reaching the heights of Maslow's Pyramid ... so let us know when you self actualise.
Enjoy the Cove as it is a fountain of knowledge and the professionals involved are always giving.
PS: Can't wait until Roxane sees the Nagging bit

Greg B

[RCBeyette]

Originally Posted by Clarence.L

Thanks ~ Claes, Taz & Queen of Nagging

You're welcome, kind sir.

Originally Posted by Greg B

Welcome to the cove. It is good to see that you have asked a question then thanked everyone for their replies. I see that you have also viewed Roxane's 'Profile'. You are a braver person than I. 'The Queen of Nagging' what a hoot

...

PS: Can't wait until Roxane sees the Nagging bit

I was wondering if anyone would ever comment on that little bit of my profile! When I started here, the title for my boss was ISO Witch (or another less flattering term that rhymes with it). With me joining the department, that term was pluralized, but then (I gues because I'm just so gosh-darn stylish), we became the QA Kingdom with my boss the QA Queen and I, the lowly QA Princess (we made our boss, the VP/GM the QA Court Jester).

Having become solely responsible for QA now (not the system, everyone is responsibile for that), I have become the Tyrant of QA, the Queen of Nagging, Goddess of Systems and Empress of Improvement. You outta see my business card!

Back on topic...

Originally Posted by Greg B

Anyway, I agree with Claes, Taz and Roxane. Learn everything and anything you can. Quality Assurance is as much about Business, Science, Statistics and Engineering as it is about common sense. You will find yourself following the path of QA to the letter when one day you open your eyes and see that it is not just about the 'Standard' but more about the business as a whole and how it all ties together. It is like reaching the heights of Maslow's Pyramid ... so let us know when you self actualise.
Enjoy the Cove as it is a fountain of knowledge and the professionals involved are always giving.

Ah, I see you read that other post of mine regarding ISO being a tool of the BMS and not the foundation of it. I do admit to feeling a sense of kinship to people who share similar beliefs. And you are totally right about the evolution...it literally feels like "one day" is when all of a sudden you realize ISO's nice and has much potential, but the true worth is with your organization's culture, tools and methodologies.

[Claes Gefvenberg]

Originally Posted by RCBeyette

...we became the QA Kingdom with my boss the QA Queen and I, the lowly QA Princess (we made our boss, the VP/GM the QA Court Jester).

Having become solely responsible for QA now (not the system, everyone is responsibile for that), I have become the Tyrant of QA, the Queen of Nagging, Goddess of Systems and Empress of Improvement. You outta see my business card!

LMAO! What a great tale Rox...

Ok, as you say: Back on topic... Clarence: Another thing would be to apply what you are (or will) teach to yourself: Leading by example... How about this thread as for instance: Seeking Tips: Office Improvement - Best Practices

/Claes