Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Eliminate numerical quotas, including Management by Objectives.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focusing on numerical targets can undermine quality and innovation. Shift the focus to process improvement instead.
W. Edwards Deming's quote emphasizes the detrimental effects of relying heavily on numerical quotas or Management by Objectives (MBO) in organizations. He argues that this approach can lead to a narrow focus on meeting specific targets rather than striving for continuous improvement and higher quality. By eliminating these quotas, organizations can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and genuine progress, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both employees and customers.
Themes
LeadershipManagementQualityImprovementObjectives
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership seminar on improving workplace culture.
More from W. Edwards Deming
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Don't expect smart people to listen to you without proof.
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Learn the basics of analytics and people will love you. If you don't have time to learn, hire someone.
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Just because you can measure everything doesn't mean that you should.
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