Best effort Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“For Quality: Stamp out fires, automate, computerize, M.B.O., install merit pay, rank people, best efforts, zero defects. WRONG!!!! Missing ingredient: profound knowledge.”
About This Quote
Quality initiatives focus on superficial fixes, neglecting deep expertise, which is essential for true improvement.
In simple terms: Quality fixes miss deep knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Invest in profound expertise.
Themes
quality management
knowledge
continuous improvement
Mood
analytical
serious
Type
business
educational
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- software development
- healthcare
- education
Key Concepts
systems thinking
organizational learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations balance quick fixes with deep learning?
- What steps build profound expertise?
A Different Perspective
Implementing knowledge can be costly and time‑consuming.
