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
All quotes βThe job can't be finished only improved to please the customer.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Don't expect smart people to listen to you without proof.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Quality begins with the intent, which is fixed by management.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Learn the basics of analytics and people will love you. If you don't have time to learn, hire someone.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Just because you can measure everything doesn't mean that you should.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Similar quotes
Let us not despair but act. Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past - let us accept our own responsibility for the future.
John F. KennedyRead
In order to have a winner, the team must have a feeling of unity; every player must put the team first ahead of personal glory.
Bear BryantRead
We can't allow the world's worst leaders to blackmail, threaten, hold freedom-loving nations hostage with the world's worst weapons.
George W. BushRead
The kinds of errors that cause plane crashes are invariably errors of teamwork and communication.
Malcolm GladwellRead
People like leaders who look like they are dominant, optimistic, friendly to their friends, and quick on the trigger when it comes to enemies. They like boldness and despise the appearance of timidity and protracted doubt.
Daniel KahnemanRead
Leadership is no longer about position - but passion. It's no longer about image but impact. This is Leadership 2.0.
Robin SharmaRead