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Eighty-five percent of the reasons for failure are…

“Eighty-five percent of the reasons for failure are deficiencies in the systems and process rather than the employee. The role of management is to change the process rather than badgering individuals to do better.” quote by W. Edwards Deming
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“Eighty-five percent of the reasons for failure are deficiencies in the systems and process rather than the employee. The role of management is to change the process rather than badgering individuals to do better.”

W. Edwards Deming

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Systemic flaws cause most failures; managers should improve processes, not blame people.

In simple terms: Systems cause failures; fix processes.

Key Takeaway

Improve systems, not individuals.

Themes

management systems process improvement

Mood

analytical pragmatic

Type

advice strategic

When to use this quote

  • manufacturing
  • software development
  • healthcare
  • education
  • customer service

Key Concepts

Quality control systems thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you identify the biggest process flaw?
  • What incentives help staff support process changes?
A Different Perspective

Changing culture can be slower than fixing a process.

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