Jim Spichiger

Scouting instilled in me lifelong values of service and leadership. While I initially volunteered for personal gain in my professional career, my commitment to giving back to the quality community has grown over time.

Joining the American Society for Quality (ASQ) is an excellent way to advance your career, especially in tough times. ASQ provides resources like the Career Center, Interview Coach, and skill development opportunities, along with potential dues relief. Explore ASQ's resources to enhance your professional journey!

This month, I'm honored to speak at the ASQ Columbus (Ohio) Section’s annual conference on the theme "What is in Your Toolbox?" I'll discuss the seven basic quality tools I've extensively used over my 30+ years as a quality professional. Interestingly, unlike with my children, I do have a favorite among these tools.

Problem solving should always begin with listening. Where does it hurt? What are your symptoms? What have you tried already?

My passion for conferences and trade shows, ideal for expanding knowledge and networks, is well-known. The Quality Show South is a prime opportunity for practitioners and continuous improvement professionals to connect, access cutting-edge software and technology, and enhance their careers.

ASQ’s purpose is to empower individuals and communities of the world to achieve excellence through quality. While it can be summed up in one sentence, how it goes about fulfilling it requires a novel to explain.

Over the years I had not given this topic of ASQ’s future studies much thought until I received a gut punch of reality in October 2015. That was the year of the first Quality Show.

Have you ever had the inclination to start your own business but were confronted with the dilemma of not knowing how to run all aspects of a business?

Now that my hair has turned gray, I periodically think back and consider “what if …” What if I had chosen a different major in college? What if I had not taken a specific job opportunity?

I have been an ASQ member since 1990 and have served continuously as an ASQ member leader (aka volunteer) for 30-plus years. One of the many benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to observe, up close, how ASQ goes about practicing what it preaches.