In a previous posting, Afghanistan: “Test on the grandest scale” Secretary of Defense Gates reinforced the need for a new approach for leveraging power.
A Solution: Reengineering DoD’s strategy on Continuous Process Improvement to support Secretary Gates concept for application of Smart Power through application the Quality Leadership Paradigm and Framework.
First Steps. DoD’s directive on CPI May 15, 2008 expands application to combat and combat support units. DoD’s initial Guidance on Continuous Process Improvement (CPI), May 2006 needs to be updated to include the expanded description from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) on the variation principle as well as incorporate the Quality Leadership Paradigm and Framework.
W. Edwards Deming’s work with the Japanese in implementing a system of continuous process improvement was identified by the editors of Fortune magazine as one of the “20 best calls in business history.” Deming remarked that if he had to reduce his message to management to just a few words, it all had to do with reducing variation.
Second Step. Apply the technology in support of the War in Afghanistan.
Third Step. Leverage success; continue to expand until the paradigm is accepted as common practice — estimated end date 2036.
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