Think the constraints way ...

'Consultant is a person who sees your watch and tells you
the time', a anonymous quote which I had enjoyed being in
that profession !
Though it looks bit sardonic at first glance, it isnt.
A consultant should be a person who is able to find
solution by involving the customer and help them
understand their pain.
Once the fundamentals are clear it is just 'Common sense'.
Whatever tags we attach to it by calling it Scorecard,Lean,
systems thinking or anyother end of day they are just
'Labels' for the common sense approach beneath it.
One such book which has given me a strong sense of this feel is,
'The Goal' by Goldratt and Jeff COx.
Any problem (business/personal/project) try to hover around
three questions :
1.What is the end goal ?
2.What do we need to change ?
3.How do we change ?
Though looks simple , application of these in complex
environment (self made !!) filled with so much information
and dynamics isnt easy.
The art of questioning ,the socrates way is indeed a focussed approach.
And now donning the role of influencer , I recommend the book'The Goal'. 'The Goal' is definitely a MUST READ for any person in business operations function
in particular if you are a QA guy !

As I Spot :Theory of Constraints

End of the day Quality and processes is all about one thing in common -Improvement.Improvement in terms of efficiency and effectiveness that adds value and growth to the business.

To address these are the vast number of tools and techniques like :Lean,Six Sigma,Kaizen,Poka Yoke .One such interesting concept on 'Cause and Effect' relationship is the Theory of Constraints.(TOC).

Interested more on TOC, dont miss the book 'The Goal' by Eliyahu M. Goldratt.

Just look at this excellent animation to get a feel of TOC http://www.tocca.com.au/Services/demomanufacturing.htm

Courtesy :TOCCA ,http://www.clarkeching.com/