Content by Scott Paton
40 Years of Quality DigestFrom scrappy underdog to premier destination for all things quality
Wed, 11/24/2021 - 12:04
It seems like yesterday that I walked into 1425 Vista Way in Red Bluff, California, to begin what I thought was a part-time data-entry job that was supposed to last just a few weeks. Instead, I ended up working for Quality Digest for 21 years; made…
Your Boss Is a Jerk. So What?Your improvement efforts may be ignored at the top, but they aren't wasted.
Wed, 06/23/2010 - 06:00
You’ve just been to a big conference (or small one, more likely these days) and you’re psyched. You’ve heard a couple of great keynotes, sat in on some terrific sessions, and maybe spent a day in a workshop that really got your juices flowing.…
The Heart of the MatterSucking blame out of root cause analysis
Wed, 11/11/2009 - 04:00
During my sabbatical from writing this column this summer, I watched an interesting program on the National Geographic Channel’s “Mayday” series1. It serves as a terrific example of how a good root cause analysis can get to the heart of a seemingly…
Written Word: The Magic Is Still ThereE-ink, soy ink, paper, Kindle, iPhone: no matter where printed words appear, they inspire, teach, and inform.
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 04:00
There’s been much ado about this brave new digital world. Newspapers, magazines, and books are fast becoming mere electrons flickering before our eyes on computer monitors, smart phones, and e-book readers. It’s an exciting time in human history—…
Reading LessonsRead any good books lately?
Sun, 05/03/2009 - 16:32
I am a creature of habit. I have favorites (authors, foods, directors, friends, family members, books—not necessarily in that order) that I like to revisit every so often. This is particularly true when I’m stressed out. I reread The Hobbit and…
A Time to Grow Now is not the time to cut back on your personal and professional development.
Tue, 03/31/2009 - 13:52
I‘ve been doing quite a bit of home improvement recently--installing new flooring, painting, etc. I’ve got a few sore muscles but the sense of pride in my achievement (plus the money I saved by doing it myself) makes it all worthwhile. I have to…
Stimulated Yet? Wake up, America!
Fri, 02/27/2009 - 13:53
Barack Obama is only one month into his presidency and he’s facing some serious challenges, primarily the economy. What began as a distant rumble early last year has hit like a tsunami. Banks are failing, millions of people have been laid off, GM…
Is Print Dead?It’s a whole new world for print media.
Thu, 01/29/2009 - 15:57
If you’ve been paying attention, it’s probably no surprise to many of you that magazines and newspapers are struggling to survive. Daily newspapers are getting smaller and smaller; magazines are getting thinner and thinner. This issue of Quality…
Give ThanksIn tough times it helps to focus on what you have rather than what you want.
Tue, 12/02/2008 - 14:00
It’s that time of year when we look back at what we have accomplished, at what we’re thankful for, and what lies ahead in the year to come. What a year 2008 has been: skyrocketing (and plummeting) fuel prices, an election that seemed like it would…
Are You Ready for ISO 9001:2008?The release of the amended standard is an excellent time to assess your QMS.
Wed, 10/29/2008 - 18:07
By the time you read this, the new version of ISO 9001 should be out. ISO 9001:2008 is the result of years of work by an international team of volunteer experts. These dedicated men and women gave up hundreds of hours of their time and traveled to…