“Seek Perfection” is a principle in the Continuous Improvement dimension of the Shingo Model. It is the principle that best describes that dimension because it embodies the purpose of the dimension, while the other principles in the dimension describe how to improve. This is the principle that best gets to the heart of the spirit of kaizen that it is something that “everybody” does, that happens “everywhere” in the organization, and happens “everytime” (or all the time), as Shingo Academy member Imai Masaaki sensei so eloquently explains. This is the principle which drives all of us on our quest to improve!
Suggestions
Several people have suggested improvements to the wording of this principle – perhaps more people have weighed in on this principle than any other. The suggestions are remarkably similar – and simple. Several people have suggested changing the first word from “seek” to “pursue.” Several people have suggested changing the second word from “perfection” to “excellence.” A few have suggested changing the second word to “improvement.” The combination of words leaves the following six options:
“Seek” or “Pursue”?
The reason to support “pursue” instead of the current “seek” is that “pursue” is more purposeful. In many cultures, the use of the word “seek” often is accompanied by an implication that one will also find. But even the most experienced Lean leaders report that you never find. The improvement effort isn’t about the finding but rather the quest. The common dictionary definition of “seek” supports this – “to try to find or obtain.”
On the other hand, the word “pursue” carries with it an implication of a quest. The most common definition is the hunter in pursuit of prey. We have extended that meaning to fit similar pursuits. A common definition found in the dictionary is “to strive to accomplish a purpose.” The change to the word “pursuit” is supported by the slogan adopted by Toyota for their Lexus brand of “The Relentless Pursuit of Perfection.”
We are persuaded by these arguments and will support a change from “seek” to “pursue.”
“Perfection,” “Excellence,” or “Improvement”?
“Improvement” does not describe the overarching purpose of the quest. The word is better used in describing the dimension.
The reasons to support “excellence” instead of the current “perfection” are:
The reason to support “perfection” instead of “excellence” is simple – how can we accept anything less than perfect? How can we accept anything less than a “perfect” landing every time a jet lands? How can we accept anything less than “perfect” in healthcare? Even if we have achieved some vague degree of “excellence,” how can accept excellence that falls short of perfection?
Our namesake, Dr. Shingo Shigeo, was a relentless advocate of perfection. He argued for the perfect elimination of defects by teaching the world pokayoke (error-proofing). He argued for the perfect elimination of waste and inventory through one-piece flow, or, as Shingo called it, “non-stock production.”
The Proposal
Pursue Perfection. We’re on a quest. The quest is to be perfect in the value-added activities we pursue. This is not a “perfection” that resembles how one pays taxes. And we will not let the pursuit of perfect prevent us from making improvements as we go – even if we haven’t figured out what perfect looks like yet.
