Competition should not be for a share of the market-but to expand the market.
W. Edwards DemingRead
The worker is not the problem. The problem is at the top! Management!
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights that issues within an organization often stem from management rather than the employees themselves.
W. Edwards Deming emphasizes that the root causes of problems in a workplace are typically found in management practices and not in the workforce. By suggesting that 'the worker is not the problem', he points out that employees should not be blamed for organizational failures; instead, leadership must examine their management strategies and decision-making processes to identify and resolve issues effectively.
Themes
ManagementLeadershipProblem-SolvingEmployeesWorkplace
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech at a company retreat to encourage management to reflect on their practices.
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
I will never work merely to make a reputation for myself, to be popular for appearances rather than for what I am. My task is to lead my country through service.
King Hussein IRead
People will not follow a leader with moral incongruities for long. Every time you compromise character you compromise leadership. The foundation of firm leadership is character.
Bill HybelsRead
Your position never gives you the right to command. It only imposes on you the duty of so living your life that others can receive your orders without being humiliated.
Dag HammarskjoldRead
It is a luxury to put our interests first. It is an honor to put the interests of others before our own.
Simon SinekRead
The nation will find it very hard to look up to the leaders who are keeping their ears to the ground.
Winston ChurchillRead
My mother was the strong wife, partner, and co-worker Martin Luther King, Jr. needed to be an effective leader, and he said so on many occasions.
Bernice KingRead