The common elements of a successful shift to TQM are:

• Top Management commitment / leadership.
• Shared Values - Policy Deployment.
• Line Management ownership.
• Cascade training in TQM - compulsory.
• Widespread use of teams / councils / committees.
• Employee involvement / empowerment.
• Recognition and celebration.
• Voice of the customer.
• Challenging quantified goals - benchmarking.
• Focus on processes / improvement plans.
• Specific incorporation in strategic planning.