Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
W. Edwards DemingRead
Rational behavior requires theory. Reactive behavior requires only reflex action.
Interpretation
Rational behavior is guided by thought and theory, while reactive behavior is instinctive and immediate.
The quote by W. Edwards Deming emphasizes the importance of rational thought and theoretical frameworks in guiding behavior and decision-making. It suggests that while many reactions can be spontaneous and reflexive, true understanding and effective actions emerge from careful consideration and planning based on solid theories.
In practice
In a leadership seminar to encourage thoughtful planning.
Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
The job can't be finished only improved to please the customer.
Don't expect smart people to listen to you without proof.
Quality begins with the intent, which is fixed by management.
Learn the basics of analytics and people will love you. If you don't have time to learn, hire someone.
Just because you can measure everything doesn't mean that you should.
Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.
Like Jesus, every human being has enough memories in his past to occupy his time and thoughts continually. It is not the remembrance of these incidents but the reliving of them that creates havoc in our souls.
Most of us do not take these situations as teachings. We automatically hate them. We run like crazy. We use all kinds of ways to escape - all addictions stem from this moment when we meet our edge and we just can't stand it. We feel we have to soften it, pad it with something, and we become addicted to whatever it is that seems to ease the pain.
I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that every-thing will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more.
I have been trying to point out that in our lives chance may have an astonishing influence and, if I may offer advice to the young laboratory worker, it would be this-never neglect an extraordinary appearance or happening. It may be-usually is, in fact-a false alarm that leads to nothing, but may on the other hand be the clue provided by fate to lead you to some important advance.
Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.
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