Quotes by W. Edwards Deming

Stamping out fires is a lot of fun, but it is only putting things back the way they were.

A company could put a top man at every position and be swallowed by a competitor with people only half as good, but who are working together.

The consumer is the most important point on the production-line.

No one can measure the loss of business that may arise from a defective item that goes out to a customer.

Motivation - nonsense. All that people need to know is why their work is important.

Pay is not a motivator.

Best efforts are essential. Unfortunately, best efforts, people charging this way and that way without guidance of principles, can do a lot of damage.

the system that people work in and the interaction with people may account for 90 or 95 percent of performance.

In God we trust, all others must bring data.

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.