An annual strategy for total quality

The total quality management (TQM) revolution that is fueling the interest of CEOs and the JCAHO will present big leadership challenges to department administrators. Successfully implementing TQM concepts will require basic changes in operational methods and highly visible leadership commitment. Lasting change can only occur with a strategy that is understood by all employees and is periodically updated. Operational improvements will result from actions you take to better serve internal and external customers, as well as personal commitment from each employee. Quality teams are the core of TQM philosophy. Any strategy to implement TQM will require extensive training and/or study of quality improvement tools and methods, as well as a plan for managing cultural change. Aligning the department within the organization requires input from the rank and file as well as those at the executive level.