Asking Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“Eliminate slogans, exhortations, and targets for the work force asking for zero defects and new levels of productivity. Such exhortations only create adversarial relationships, as the bulk of the causes of low quality and low productivity belong to the system and thus lie beyond the power of the work force”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, 1982
Mandating flawless performance and higher output without addressing systemic flaws creates conflict and limits real improvement.
In simple terms: Demanding perfection without fixing the system causes tension.
Key Takeaway
Fix systemic issues before setting strict targets.
Themes
quality
management
systems
productivity
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
business
motivational
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- software development
- healthcare administration
- education reform
Key Concepts
systems thinking
continuous improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you involve workers in identifying system flaws?
- What incentives promote collaboration over competition?
A Different Perspective
Ignoring human factors can reduce morale and effectiveness.
