Accounts Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“One cannot be successful on visible figures alone ... the most important figures that one needs for management are unknown or unknowable, but successful management must nevertheless take account of them.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, 1982
Effective management depends on unseen, intangible factors—culture, relationships, and hidden dynamics—beyond measurable performance metrics.
In simple terms: Management success relies on unseen factors beyond visible metrics.
Key Takeaway
Consider hidden influences in leadership.
Themes
management
leadership
invisible factors
culture
performance
metrics
Mood
analytical
strategic
Type
reflective
practical
When to use this quote
- team building
- strategic planning
- performance reviews
Key Concepts
systems thinking
organizational behavior
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify invisible factors?
- What tools reveal hidden dynamics?
A Different Perspective
Visible data alone cannot capture all critical influences.
