MY AIM for this short entry is to catch you up on some changes to this newsletter that I’m going to be rolling out over the next several weeks as part of a larger experiment to see what appetite there is for learning about the Deming management philosophy and its relevance in today’s world. I think the time is ‘nigh for a refresh and to align with a parallel project I’ve been working on. Here’s what’s in-store:
First, I’m launching a new weekly feature, Doctor’s Orders, where I’ll be taking your questions about Dr. Deming, his contemporaries, his management philosophy and theory, how to apply it, books and materials, even questions about specific newsletters or The Digestible Deming as a whole. You can post your questions anonymously using the button below. Look for the first instalment on Friday, February 2nd, 2024.
Second, in addition to my usual free articles about Deming’s management thinking, I’ll be adding paid-tier content which will include preview chapters of a new book I am writing to distill The Digestible Deming even further into something I call leadership cheat codes. Expect this once or twice monthly.
Third, there will be some podcast content so you can take The Digestible Deming with you on the go. This could take a number of forms, including commentary and interviews with colleagues or interesting practitioners, as well as tie-ins with book chapters which will be paid-tier. NB: If you haven’t downloaded the Substack app yet, I highly recommend it - it’s a great way to access my content and keep in touch!
Fourth, and this one has been on my back-burner for a long time, is to provide some hands-on guidance on analyzing data using Process Behaviour Charts. This will likely take the form of a short video where we’ll review how to create them using different data sets, how to interpret them for signals, and then more advanced techniques like shifting limits. The aim will be to build your skills to use this tool effectively on your own systems and processes.
Fifth, for those who enjoy the content and want to show their appreciation without being a paid subscriber, I’ve set up a “tip tier” where you can make donations to offset my caffeine budget via BuyMeACoffee.com. Approximately 10+ hours go into a typical post, which is at least two cups. Click below to toss a coin to your writer!
Well, What Do You Think?
My original mission with this newsletter was to create some short, punchy essays to help demystify Deming for readers (and some of my customers..) while building a back-catalog of topics that could be quickly referenced and shared depending on need. In this sense, I think the mission has been achieved (tell me if it’s not!) and now’s the time to look to new horizons.
So, tell me your thoughts and impressions: Right track, wrong track? What other changes would you like to see?
Thank you for your support of The Digestible Deming! See you on the flipside…
I'm very excited! Your work has been instrumental in my studies, and in my new career in quality analysis, thank you!
Chris, let me know if you’d like us to update your link on the IQI website Friends page with a new write up. If any of the IQI Academy’s materials or content from the IQI newsletters could help out, don’t be shy about asking.