Efficiency Quote by Russell L. Ackoff
“The more efficient you are at doing the wrong thing, the wronger you become. It is much better to do the right thing wronger than the wrong thing righter. If you do the right thing wrong and correct it, you get better.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Recreating the Corporation, Russell L. Ackoff, 1974
Efficiency in the wrong activity worsens outcomes; better to imperfectly pursue the right activity and improve over time.
In simple terms: Doing the wrong thing well is harmful; doing the right thing poorly is better.
Key Takeaway
Start with the right goal, even if execution is imperfect.
Themes
productivity
decision-making
learning
growth
Mood
reflective
motivational
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business strategy
- personal development
- project management
- team leadership
Key Concepts
systems thinking
continuous improvement
error tolerance
Questions to Reflect On
- What right goal are you avoiding because you fear imperfect execution?
- How can you create feedback loops to improve while you act?
A Different Perspective
Even a right goal can fail without adequate skill or resources.
![“Cizek came to Vienna [from Leitmeritz, a small town in Bohemia, then Austrian] when he was twenty [in 1885], and entered the Academy of Fine Arts. He lodged with a poor family, where, fortunately, there were children. These children saw him painting and drawing, and they wanted, as Cizek has so…” quote by Russell L. Ackoff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d1/russell-l-ackoff-12928_art_cizek-came-to-vienna-from-leitmeritz-a-s_694148.jpg)
