Dr. Deming and the Learning curve

I started a new Project Management book this week called "The Leader Handbook". Only into it 10 pages and I'm hooked.

If you've never heard of Deming, Dr. W. Edwards Deming taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organizations can increase quality and simultaneously reduce costs (by reducing waste, rework, staff attrition and litigation while increasing customer loyalty). He came up with a "Transformation's learning curve". His transformation learning curve struck out against the traditional learning curve. You know the type, flat then dips down, then up and then flat again.

Anyhow, Deming's Transformation learning curve looks a bit different. His has a somewhat steep line up, then drops WAY down, then slowly curves up and flattens a bit. Its hard to describe, just work with me on this. It can be thought of as in the begining the illusion of learning "knowing enough to be dangerous", then goes into significant understanding to see that "we don't know much", like an "AHA moment". Then when it drops way down is when the real learning begins. If I can find an image, I'll post it. For now use your imagination.

There are some items this book lists as what we can learn from the false learning curve. And once I read those I thought, these can be used in every day life, and not just management scenarios.

Be patient. Most often we will notice progress only by looking back at how we were two or three years ago.

Be persistent. Don't ever give up! Don't get restless and look for a new management philosoph du jour.

Be humble. The arrogant organization will find it difficult to learn anything. Acknowledge our inadequacies. Instead of assured pronouncements, offer hypotheses that need data for support.

Be inelegant. Give yourself permission to be inept and ask dumb questions. Don't try to fake it. Rather Seek to learn it.

My personal favorite point is the last one.