Quality advocate Philip B. Crosby, a leading proponent of zero defects and total quality concepts, states, “The customer does not need to understand. The customer is the customer.” According to him, quality goes beyond perceived excellence and signifies suitability for the need. This perspective involves a different approach than conventional quality definitions, focusing on understanding all customer expectations and directing the entire organization to meet these expectations through a strategic approach. Viewing quality from the customer’s perspective helps set goals externally, while an internal perspective is considered more realistic and challenging based on the established goals, making it more advantageous.
The reason for discussing these academic terms and definitions is my intention to describe the realized vision of Laleli, whether consciously or unconsciously, in reaching international standards. When you look at the whole picture in Laleli, you will see an understanding that has been able to perceive and implement customer demands very well over the years. The key to making guests and customers feel at home today lies in the realization of this customer-oriented approach. The formation of this customer-focused approach certainly requires a certain amount of time, resources, and effort. Moreover, when negative factors such as crises and disrupted continuity come into play over time, the value of this formation becomes better understood. Especially when evaluated in terms of the country’s economy, promotion, and development, it is a significant fact that Laleli should receive special attention and interest from all institutions. In this regard, it is possible to say that all projects, activities, and organizations carried out by Lasiad essentially aim to preserve and develop this unique identity specific to Laleli.
As you know, the events that followed the prolonged demonstrations and the subsequent political crisis in the Ukraine-Crimea-Russia line have pushed those of us in serious relationships with these markets into a tense wait. I see the rule of always being calm and moderate, which is typical of traders and industrialists, as a necessary reality for this situation. Moreover, considering the importance of these two neighboring countries for Laleli and our country, I hope for a quick resolution of the political crisis between them, and I hope that our regional development will continue together, as it has in the past.
Looking back, the local elections in 2014 and the presidential elections scheduled for August, along with the general elections next year, have already signaled a tense period for our country. However, all these elections should be seen as festivals of democracy for the people. Elections are essential elements of the republic, where the will of the people is clearly expressed, and the people choose the individuals and institutions they want to govern themselves. It is truly saddening to see such a beautiful day turn into a phase that strains all our citizens and presents images we do not want to see. In this period, when developing country economies are going through a difficult period globally, it is crucial for everyone to approach each other with common sense and empathy, trying to understand each other. Cultural differences should be seen as positive factors that unite, enrich, and bring us together rather than divide and turn us into enemies. I truly believe that if we can be ourselves and succeed in being who we are, there is no difficulty or challenge we cannot overcome. As someone who sincerely believes that this understanding and mutual respect-love exist in our society, I look to the future with hope, wishing that this election process will be the cornerstone of a happy and peaceful period that builds the future of our children rather than taking away their lives.
Giyasettin Eyyüpkoca.
