Control Quote by Tom DeMarco
“You can't control what you can't measure”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Controlling Software Projects and and Tom DeMarco, 1987
The quote emphasizes that without measurement, you cannot effectively manage or influence a process.
In simple terms: You need metrics to manage.
Key Takeaway
Measure to manage.
Themes
management
metrics
control
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
motivational
Type
business
technical
self‑improvement
When to use this quote
- software development
- business operations
- personal health tracking
- education
- sports coaching
Key Concepts
systems theory
feedback loops
performance measurement
Questions to Reflect On
- What key metrics are missing in your current process?
- How can you balance quantitative and qualitative data?
A Different Perspective
Measurement alone may not capture qualitative aspects.
![“While this [10 to 1] productivity differential among programmers is understandable, there is also a 10 to 1 difference in productivity among software organizations” quote by Tom DeMarco](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d65/tom-demarco-12134_productivity_while-this-10-to-1-productivity-differen_444032.jpg)
