Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
W. Edwards DemingRead
When a system is stable, telling the worker about mistakes is only tampering.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that in a stable system, highlighting mistakes can disrupt the workflow and hinder progress.
W. Edwards Deming suggests that when a system operates smoothly and efficiently, interruptions caused by calling out errors can be counterproductive. Rather than fostering improvement, such practices may lead to unnecessary distractions and resentment among workers, highlighting the need for a more supportive approach to error management in a stable environment.
Themes
StabilityMistakesLeadershipManagementPerformance
In practice
Example use cases
In a team meeting discussing productivity, one could say, 'As W. Edwards Deming said, when a system is stable, pointing out mistakes can be counterproductive.'
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Don't expect smart people to listen to you without proof.
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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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