Quotes in psychology

The idea of a merit rating is alluring. The sound of the words captivates the imagination: pay for what you get; get what you pay for; motivate people to do their best, for their own good.

The effect is exactly the opposite of what the words promise.


The idea of a merit rating is alluring. The sound of the words captivates the imagination: pay for what you get; get what you pay for; motivate people to do their best, for their own good.

The effect is exactly the opposite of what the words promise. Everyone propels himself forward, or tries to, for his own good, on his own life preserver. The organization is the loser.

The merit rating rewards people that conform to the system. It does not reward attempts to improve the system. Don’t rock the boat.


Kaizen does not attempt to light a fire under people. It lights the fire within them.

More quotes by   Matt May view quote details

When you want something really bad, you will put up with a lot of flaws. But if you do not yet know you want something, your tolerance will be much lower. That’s why it is especially important for us to build a beautiful, elegant and considerate piece of software. Every bit of grace, refinement, and thoughtfulness on our part will pull people along. Every petty irritation will stop them and give the impression that it is not worth it.


A numerical goal leads to distortion and faking, especially when the system is not capable of meeting the goal. Anybody will meet the quota (goal) allotted to him. He is not responsible for the losses so generated.


Top management should publish a resolution that no one will lose his job for contribution to quality and productivity.


Our schools must preserve and nurture the yearning for learning that everyone is born with.


Where there is fear you do not get honest figures.


Don't worry about people stealing an idea. If it's original, you will have to ram it down their throats.

More quotes by   Howard Aiken view quote details

I don't think everybody dislikes change, I think people dislike being changed.