When implementing a quality management system, there are a few key items it must contain in order to succeed. Let's discuss the most important one first.

The biggest point of failure for a quality program is not having a culture open to change. The entire organization must understand their role in a quality program, which reaps quality products. One way to look at this is to ask yourself, is this activity a best practice for the business, or am I just checking the box? Am I committed to look at this activity with an open mind and realize this is an opportunity for improvement, not a mark against me (or my team, company, etc.)?

Without this culture and thought process, employees will become resentful of the change, and it will start to feel like a personal attack. Employees need to know that the culture of change and continuous improvement is healthy.

When leadership is bought in to the culture of change, implementing a quality program becomes much easier, and certainly more rewarding.