Doing things fast and well is easier said than done, and especially to maintain. If it were easy, everyone would do it; that's why we value quality, and why it sets the standard for comparison. Those capable of maintaining a high level of quality over long periods of time enshrine it in their governance principles. Who we are is reflected in what we do and what we achieve. When enthusiasm is replaced by routine, pride and shared interest maintain the necessary spirit and discipline.
Everywhere, quality offers advantages and prestige. Quality seems linked to a work ethic and also to respect for those for whom the work is intended. Quality doesn't compromise, even if it means starting over 10 times to reach the desired level, and perfecting one's art along the way.
A local school as well as a university, a baker as well as an artist, an apprentice as well as a professional may pursue their own idea of quality, but this idea must also be perceived and appreciated in their environment if it is to be transformed into real value; those who succeed in doing so know how to listen to comments and criticism without getting cold feet. In a competitive context, quality is the key to winning; in a business context, it translates into benefits and income, in the job market into attractive offers; quality is a silent but powerful statement.
How do we convey this concern for quality? The teacher and the institution themselves are models. By their very presence, they are already teaching. Obviously, management must inspire quality before asking its employees to do so. Teachers can inspire quality in their students, and then ask management for it. A student can inspire it in his fellow students, and sometimes infect the whole school. Pride spreads differently from complacency, but it can spread at least as quickly.
Let's inspire it.
Denys Lamontagne - [email protected]
Illustration: Shutterstock - 2533332665
