Many of us quality professionals have been teased by our families on more than one occasion for applying quality principles to everyday life. “I know you said you did your homework, but I’d like to see the evidence.” Admit it; many of you have been caught using quality speak around the house. Others have used planning or improvement initiatives to handle chores and projects.

The next time you get some ribbing for bringing your quality jargon home you might want to point out the following. The essence of two of the most beloved Christmas stories of the last 100 years rests squarely on documentation and evidence. One is an actual event; the other a wonderful movie.

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