Key Points

• Listening to common myths can hinder the utilization of a TQM implementation.
• TQM is a powerful approach, but understanding it is key to making the most of it.
• Don’t give in to listening to myths and misinformation; take the time to educate yourself on the opportunities any methodology offers.

What common myths about TQM muddy the waters on how it is utilized? Total quality management is a powerful framework, but without a keen understanding of the methodology, you fall victim to issues with how to best use it. That said, it isn’t a difficult methodology to get behind, as we’ll explore a little further.

So, today’s guide is less about expounding the virtues and practices of TQM and more about dispelling the nastier rumors and myths that persist around the methodology. We’ll cover the myths and then dive right into the reality behind said myth. Hopefully, you come away from today’s guide with a better understanding of the methodology and how to best utilize it.

What Is TQM?

TQM, or Total Quality Management, is a management philosophy that is intended to guide continuous effort to guarantee quality output. TQM understands the expectations of a customer base and how to meet and exceed those in the best way possible. To this end, it places a heavy emphasis on focusing on the customers while also taking a closer look at some other guiding principles.

One of the most important things behind TQM is the notion of continuous improvement. Like Six Sigma, if you aren’t constantly working towards perfection, you’re falling behind. Work is also visualized similarly to Six Sigma, with complex projects taking the form of multiple smaller processes.

This helps management to best strategize on how to approach a problem while making solid decisions with data at the ready. Much like Six Sigma, it requires a total commitment from all strata of an organization, with leadership in particular taking a focus, to succeed.

Why Companies Choose TQM

There isn’t any one reason as to why companies choose TQM, but rather the benefits it gives on the whole. Sure, you can point to nebulous concepts like quality as the guiding factor. However, if defects are a concern, TQM can guide teams on minimizing those while maintaining the same speed of delivery.

Additionally, much like Lean and Six Sigma, it focuses on the reduction of waste. Say what you want about any modern organization, but finding ways to save a little cash on the side and maximize profits is always a good thing.

TQM is also a fantastic means of empowering and involving your employees. For organizations that struggle with employee engagement, this can be a lifesaver. The methodology promotes communication, collaboration, and employee morale soaring to new heights.

Common Myths About TQM

So, now that I’ve bored some of you to tears, let’s take a closer look at the common myths about TQM. As with any methodology, there is quite a bit of disinformation in circulation regarding TQM. Sure, you can attribute some of that to outright malice. However, the more likely suspect is perhaps a touch of uncertainty and ignorance surrounding the particulars of the methodology.

TQM, like any other business methodology, is not a cohesive solution to a problem. What it requires is a strong foundation with leadership taking the reins to make the most of it. In this regard, it isn’t different from the likes of Agile, Six Sigma, Lean, and the countless other methodologies and approaches we’ve discussed over the years here.

As with all common myths, the truth is perhaps a bit more nuanced than a sweeping generalization. While we can surely point to the common myths as a reason to perhaps avoid a methodology, it is better to have the whole picture in mind when looking at our options.

TQM Is Just a Set of Tools

I’ve heard this one a few times in passing. TQM is just a collection of tools or techniques, with no guiding principles or philosophy at its core. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth when considering this common myth about TQM.

The reality is that TQM is the complete package, with guiding principles, tools, techniques, and much more when implemented properly.

TQM Is Only for Large Manufacturing Companies

Another of the more persistent common myths about TQM is the notion that it is intended solely for massive manufacturing efforts. The truth behind the matter doesn’t require nuance or understanding to get to the basics, however. At its core, TQM can benefit any organization. It doesn’t matter what sort of business you’re running, anyone can make use of the techniques and principles TQM provides.

Implementing TQM Requires Red Tape and Bureaucracy

For some reason, documentation always gets a bad rap when it comes to any sort of methodology. As a former tech industry employee, I love documentation. However, one of the persisting common myths about TQM is the need for tons of red tape, paperwork, and bureaucracy. Yes, some documentation is required to make the most of TQM.

However, TQM’s focus is primarily centered around designing effective processes and getting solid results. Documentation is a result of cataloguing what has been done, not what needs to transpire next.

Quality Is the Responsibility of the Quality Assurance Department

It is relatively easy to see the name of a given department and assume that something is its sole responsibility. With something like Total Quality Management, you’d certainly think the quality assurance department of any organization is responsible for handling quality. What makes this common myth about TQM so damaging is how reductive it is to the whole of an organization.

When implemented, TQM looks for quality from the entire organization, not just a single department. Yes, QA is needed to safeguard mistakes, but you want everyone on the same page to make sure defects aren’t slipping through constantly.

TQM Is a One-Time Project

As you’ve likely guessed, some think TQM is a single-use principle or methodology. TQM isn’t intended as a disposable means of getting an organization up to speed with better quality throughput. Instead, TQM is a constant cycle, and insists upon a culture of continuous improvement to make the most of it.

TQM Stifles Creativity

Creativity is one of those killer features that not even an AI can provide when looking at any business project. When you’ve implemented a framework like TQM, one of the common myths surrounding it is how it stifles and hinders creativity. The thing is, when you’re implementing TQM, it should be bolstering creative thinking.

TQM champions employee communication and collaboration, which is a breeding ground for the sort of creative thinking needed for outside-the-box solutions.

TQM Removes All Defects

The final myth we’re taking a look at centers around the concept of defects. Defects aren’t a good thing to have at any level of production. However, when we’re taking the steps needed to remove defects from production, it isn’t always going to be a surefire thing. Machines malfunction, people make mistakes, and so forth.

The reality is that you’re striving for perfection, but that isn’t an attainable or realistic goal to keep in mind. Instead, it is better to think of TQM as a means of maximizing quality rather than hoping to achieve the impossible.

Other Useful Tools and Concepts

Looking for something else to get your day rolling? You might want to take a closer look at the challenges surrounding the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in highly regulated industries. Regulations pose unique challenges, and learning how to navigate those can get you well on your way to a more efficient and productive organization.

Additionally, you might want to consider looking at how cross-functional teams can help you break down silos in Lean Six Sigma. Cross-functional teams are a must for the modern organization. Leveraging your employees’ bevy of experiences and points of view can help unlock new levels of productivity and get projects back on track.

Conclusion

TQM has plenty of myths surrounding it, just like any other popular approach centered in a modern business. However, I urge anyone to consider things carefully before making base assumptions. The reality is often far different from the myths surrounding these talking points.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©SinArtCreative/iStock via Getty Images.