Juran: A Century of Achievement
My reflections on the leader and the man

I recently had the privilege of attending a celebration in honor of Joseph M. Juran’s 100th birthday. The celebration also honored the 50th anniversary of Juran’s first trip to Japan and the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Juran Institute.

The event was a veritable quality Who’s Who. People came from around the world to honor Juran. Among the attendees were Noriaki Kano from Japan, Enrique Maso from Spain and Lennarte Sandholm from Sweden. Peter Drucker and Robert Galvin sent letters expressing the profound effect Juran has had on quality, the U.S. economy and their lives. (Both had intended to appear, but last-minute illnesses kept them from attending.) The governor of Connecticut also sent his wishes.

Speaker after speaker told stories of how Juran had affected their lives. Maso recounted how a young Professor Juran had spent countless hours with him as a young student. Maso went on to a successful career in Spain and eventually became mayor of Barcelona, a position Juran advised him not to keep. “Stay out of politics,” Juran advised. “You’re too honest.” Maso credits his success to Juran’s teachings.

“Success is the diligent application of one’s talents,” said Peter Juran, recalling his grandfather’s advice.

There are many elements of success. Juran clearly excelled at them all.

What emerged from the speakers’ comments was a portrait of a driven yet compassionate man who has spent a lifetime working to make the world around him a better place. Despite a hectic travel schedule, meetings with presidents and premiers, writing books and articles, and consulting with the world’s largest organizations, he always places his family first. He inevitably sees the opportunity to learn from any situation, regardless of if he disagrees with the outcome. Juran has faced each of life’s trials with discipline, courage and an acute sense of humor.

I have to admit that Juran has had an effect on my life, too. Although June marks my 20th year with Quality Digest, I feel like a quality neophyte compared to Juran.

My first meeting with Juran was nearly 20 years ago. I had been granted an exclusive interview, which turned into a three-part series. I was a young editor and, frankly, terrified at the thought of interviewing Juran. What I remember most about Juran from the interview and my subsequent meetings with him was his quiet demeanor, his careful and thoughtful answers to my questions, and his genuine concern for my well-being. During my last interview with Juran at his home when he was 98, I was again amazed at his thoughtful answers, depth of memory and intelligence.

Juran’s long and successful life should be an inspiration to us all. From him, we should learn the importance of the “trivial many vs. the vital few,” the proper place of one’s family (always No. 1), a love of country, a passion for giving back to the community, a sense of accuracy and completeness in all that we do, and a lifelong zeal for learning.