The ideas of control and improvements are often confused with one another. This is because quality control and quality improvement are inseparable.
In management, the first concern of the company is the happiness of people who are connected with it. If the people do not feel happy and cannot be made happy, that company does not deserve to exist.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that a company's priority should be the happiness of its people; without that, it loses its right to exist.
Kaoru Ishikawa highlights the fundamental importance of employee happiness in an organization. He argues that the essence of a company's existence hinges on the well-being of its employees, suggesting that if a company fails to prioritize and ensure the happiness of its workforce, it is fundamentally flawed and lacks merit. This perspective challenges leaders to recognize that their responsibility goes beyond profits and productivity; it extends to creating a positive work environment where individuals feel valued and fulfilled.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech at a corporate retreat, a manager could use this quote to emphasize the importance of employee well-being.
More from Kaoru Ishikawa
All quotes →Similar quotes
Those who try to lead the people can only do so by following the mob.
Learn to lead in a nourishing manner. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to lead without being possessive. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to be helpful without taking the credit. _x000D_ _x000D_ Learn to lead without coercion.
I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.
There goes my people. I must follow them, for I am their leader.
Heaven cannot brook two suns, nor earth two masters.
You need a lot of leaders, but a hockey team needs a voice, not only in the community, but more importantly between the coaching staff and the players. There are always ups and downs in a season; the captain is the guy players look to in those situations.