As we embrace the theme of this year’s World Quality Week — “Quality: From Compliance to Performance” — it is time to reflect on how quality leadership can inspire organizations to move beyond metrics and standards. True quality leadership is not just about ensuring regulatory checkboxes are ticked; it is about transforming mindsets, fostering collaboration, and guiding teams to see quality as integral to the organization’s success.

Rethinking quality

Changing how we think – starting with ourselves – is a fundamental skill. Are we prepared to accept that our perceptions may not reflect reality? In our field, it’s easy to become fixated on compliance numbers, relying on familiar processes and best practices. But quality must not stagnate. As Einstein famously observed, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”

When asked what Ambir Hukkanen, Head of Quality Americas thinks about changing how we think about quality at SFI Health, she shared some comments: “We have a team of professionals here that embraces new ideas.  While World Quality Week is a great time to reflect on the quality profession and what we can do differently, I also think it is a great time to say thank you. Quality can sometimes be an abyss of problem-solving. To the Quality teams at SFI Health, thank you for committing to making Quality a differentiator here at SFI Health, and not being afraid to think outside the box.”

The key to creating an organizational culture of quality and evolving from compliance to performance lies in how we lead. Leaders in quality must embrace a broader perspective – one that invites collaboration, builds trust, and opens doors to new ways of thinking. Empowerment plays a pivotal role in shifting from compliance-focused thinking to performance-driven action. When we invite our teams to identify areas for improvement and engage actively in problem-solving, we create advocates for quality at every level. Recognizing and celebrating these contributions reinforces a culture where continuous improvement thrives.

Quality as a mindset

The Americas’ Quality Team: (L-R: Miriam Montanez, Ashley Timko, Erin Hunter, Melissa Heyden, Christine Navarrete, Stephen Richmond, Peter, Ambir Hukkanen, Ash Lamb, Kirsten Bowden, Shandy Bercier, Brenda Quezadas, Michelle Homan)

(Not pictured: Agnieszka Bzdurska, Aizik Espinosa, Jacob Brelje, Cory Guzman, Brittany Stoten, Kimberly Castaneda-Garcia)

When asked “What does World Quality Week mean to you?”, the Americas’ Quality Committee replied, “World Quality Week is a time to reflect on and highlight the collective departmental contributions made throughout the year that enhance product quality, customer satisfaction, and the success and growth of the organization.”

Of course, quality leaders must lead by example, demonstrating that quality is more than a set of rules – it’s a mindset. Every interaction is an opportunity to model the behaviors we expect, whether by handling challenges with resilience or showing a commitment to improvement.

Quality as a commitment to our customers

Here at SFI Health, we are proudly celebrating this year’s World Quality Week. David Sisk, General Manager of SFI Health Americas, shared with us, “Quality is at the core of everything we do; it drives excellence and innovation. On World Quality Week, let us take the opportunity to commit ourselves to continual improvement, ensuring that our efforts resonate with the highest standards not only for our customers but for a better tomorrow.” We encourage all to embrace quality as a powerful tool for performance and collaboration. It’s not about having all the answers but about fostering a culture where curiosity, humility, and open-mindedness drive success. In this journey from compliance to performance, quality leadership is the compass guiding the way forward — not just ensuring we meet the standards, but inspiring everyone along the way to aim higher too.

Thank you to our Quality team members and to all of our employees who consistently help make quality a differentiator for our customers.

L-R: Brenda Quezadas, Peter, Kirsten Bowden, Ash Lamb, Agnieszka Bzdurska, Melissa Heyden, Stephen Richmond, Christine Navarrete, Ambir Hukkanen, Ashley Timko, Erin Hunter, Shandy Bercier, Michelle Homan, Miriam Montanez.

(Not pictured: Aizik Espinosa, Jacob Brelje, Cory Guzman, Brittany Stoten, Kimberly Castaneda-Garcia)