Change Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“Change the rule and you will get a new number.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, W. Edwards Deming, 1982
Altering a rule changes the resulting metric, highlighting the impact of definitions.
In simple terms: Changing rules changes numbers.
Key Takeaway
Define rules carefully.
Themes
quality
metrics
systems thinking
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- business processes
- education grading
- policy formulation
- software development
- financial reporting
Key Concepts
statistical control
process improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- What rule changes could improve outcomes?
- How do you ensure metric integrity?
A Different Perspective
Metrics can be manipulated by redefining rules.
![“[If] You don't like the rule, change the rule; but play by the rules.” quote by Eric Bolling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a41/eric-bolling-9033_change_if-you-don-t-like-the-rule-change-the-ru_1528136.jpg)
