Quality is all about ownership

“Ownership: ‘A commitment of the head, heart, and hands to fix the problem and never again affix the blame.” – John G Miller, Author of QBQ

Suyati Technologies is now an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. I am grateful to the entire team that worked hard to achieve this milestone – no mean achievement, considering that we had only 6 months leading up to the first audit.

When a small team sets out to create a quality product, it is relatively simpler. Collaboration, sharing, management, and setting expectations – all are easily manageable. We can shout across the cubicle, sit around the lunch table, or even discuss it over an evening stroll. But, when the team grows to 120+, across 3 locations, and has multiple products/clients/methodologies/tools, I can only imagine the different complexities in the quality process. Factor in growing expectations from clients based on our near-perfect delivery record, and you certainly have a recipe for quality disaster.

But, as always, the team exceeded expectations. And, if I can pinpoint the one characteristic that prevented quality from being just a by-word at Suyati, it is taking Ownership.

To me personally, and to Suyati as a company, taking ownership sets us apart. We take pride in our deliverables, and it becomes a matter of honor to deliver – however small, insignificant or trivial our deliverables may be in the bigger scheme of things.

The ISO 9001:2008 certification is certainly just the beginning. I see it more as a validation for doing things the right way – the way it is meant to be. The bigger challenge is to continue to provide the right motivation and a nourishing environment, so that the team continues to take ownership. And deliver.

Here’s to all of us. Three cheers for Team Suyati.