Quality is gearing up for the The Quality Show South in Nashville, TN, in early May. We've got a lot on tap, but nothing more exciting than our learning theater sessions. Editorial Director Darryl Seland and Managing editor Michelle Bangert of Quality sat down to talk about it.

Blaming technology for lower customer satisfaction due to reduced personal interaction, while emphasizing the importance of face-to-face meetings for happiness and increased effectiveness, highlights the need for strategies like limiting electronics during meals and following established standards.

On March 9, NPR reported Boeing was unable to find any paperwork about the door plug and attributed a top Boeing official saying, “It was likely that such records never existed.” Roughly one day later, the Wall Street Journal reported the Justice Department had opened a criminal investigation.

"For years, I've been told, 'The safest part of your journey has come to an end.' Initially, I took this to mean just getting home from the airport, but now I question, 'Was I ever truly safe to begin with?'"

Dr. Milton Krivokuca, our 2024 Quality Professional of the Year, shifted from manufacturing to education, guiding students to faster degrees and career advancement. He actively promotes quality assurance programs and stays updated on industry trends like Quality 4.0, proving his dedication and expertise.

In their upcoming session at The Quality Show South, Sophronia Ward, PhD and Mark Nash CSSMB, will discuss the best ways to use data, how to use software without letting it use you, and other ways to improve your manufacturing processes.

In the early stages of my career, conflict resolution was direct and forceful, often involving blunt criticism and harsh language. However, a key learning experience came when my manager confronted me about a mistake, followed by supportive dialogue, teaching me the value of constructive criticism.

Paul Critchley, president of New England Lean Consulting, discusses Lean principles at the Quality Show South in Nashville this May. Learn how to leverage Lean for business growth in his session, "Wicked Good Leadership."

Quality is a critical competitive priority for organizations. It is the foundation for a competitive advantage, even when firms prioritize other operational considerations. However, it is often de-prioritized during financial stress, leading to financial, customer, and workforce issues.