About Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“The prevailing - and foolish - attitude is that a good manager can be a good manager anywhere, with no special knowledge of the production process he's managing. A man with a financial background may know nothing about manufacturing shoes or cars, but he's put in charge anyway.”
About This Quote
Source Book: “Out of the Crisis”, 1982
He critiques the belief that managerial skill alone ensures success without industry‑specific knowledge.
In simple terms: Good managers need specific knowledge, not just general skill.
Key Takeaway
Learn the details of the field you manage.
Themes
management
expertise
industry knowledge
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
advice
critique
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- service industry
- technology firms
Key Concepts
systems thinking
competence development
Questions to Reflect On
- How can managers acquire needed technical insight?
- What training bridges the gap?
A Different Perspective
Specialized knowledge may be limited; cross‑functional training helps.
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