Failure Quote by W. Edwards Deming
“When a system is stable, telling the worker about mistakes is only tampering.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Out of the Crisis, W. Edwards Deming, 1982
In stable systems, pointing out errors to workers can disrupt the process, so feedback should be managed carefully.
In simple terms: Criticizing in stable settings can be harmful.
Key Takeaway
Provide feedback in a constructive, non-disruptive way.
Themes
quality
management
feedback
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
guideline
instructional
When to use this quote
- manufacturing
- software development
- team leadership
Key Concepts
systems theory
continuous improvement
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you balance transparency with stability?
- When is it appropriate to intervene?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on stability may hide underlying issues.
