Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Eighty percent of American managers cannot answer with any measure of confidence these seemingly simple questions: What is my job? What in it really counts? How well am I doing?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the confusion many managers face regarding their roles and effectiveness in their jobs.
W. Edwards Deming highlights a significant issue in management where a vast majority of American managers are unable to clearly define their job responsibilities, identify what truly matters in their roles, and assess their own performance. This lack of clarity can lead to inefficiency and a disconnection from organizational goals, suggesting that effective leadership requires a deep understanding of one's role and metrics of success.
Themes
ManagementLeadershipPerformanceClarityEfficiency
In practice
Example use cases
During a leadership workshop, this quote could be used to highlight the need for clear job definitions.
More from W. Edwards Deming
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Don't expect smart people to listen to you without proof.
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Quality begins with the intent, which is fixed by management.
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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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