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Eliminate numerical quotas, including Management by Objectives.
W. Edwards Deming
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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.

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