To get better - Focus on systems

If you want to get better, fix the systems not the people. That's the idea behind W. Edwards Deming's Management Philosophy.

Deming called his Management Philosophy his System of Profound Knowledge.

IT consists of 4 pillars: 1/ Appreciation for a system 2/ Knowledge of variation 3/ Theory of knowledge 4/ Psychology

Here's how a leader should approach each one. 1/ Appreciation for a system → Understand that results are systems driven → Aim to improve the capabilities and performance of the system

2/ Knowledge of variation → Don't rank employees → don't pay attention to the ups and downs of business

3/ Theory of knowledge → Systems only improve when outside knowledge is brought in

4/ Psychology → Don't do things that demoralize employees → Create environments where employees can take pride in their work

When asked how many companies practice his Management Philosophy Deming responded, "None". When asked how many will practice it in the future he replied, "All that Survive."