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A cardinal principle of Total Quality escapes too many managers: you cannot continuously improve interdependent systems and processes until you progressively perfect interdependent, interpersonal relationships.
Stephen Covey
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Improving teamwork is essential for enhancing overall quality in systems and processes.

Stephen Covey emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships in the context of Total Quality Management. He argues that before organizations can achieve continuous improvement in their systems and processes, they need to focus on perfecting their interpersonal relationships, highlighting that strong, cooperative relationships are the foundation for successful teamwork and organizational improvement.

Themes

QualityRelationshipsImprovementLeadershipTeamwork

In practice

Example use cases

During a leadership workshop, to illustrate the importance of relationships in achieving quality work.

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