People with targets and jobs dependent upon meeting them…
“People with targets and jobs dependent upon meeting them will probably meet the targets - even if they have to destroy the enterprise to do it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
People may meet targets by any means, even harming the organization, if incentives focus solely on results.
In simple terms: Targets can drive destructive behavior.
Key Takeaway
Align incentives with sustainable outcomes.
Themes
management
ethics
performance
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
business
ethical
When to use this quote
- corporate goal setting
- project management
- quality control
Key Concepts
systems thinking
perverse incentives
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we design goals that protect the enterprise?
- What safeguards prevent destructive tactics?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on metrics can damage culture.