The job can’t be finished only improved to please the customer.

The job can’t be finished only improved to please the customer.

W. Edwards Deming

The quote “The job can’t be finished only improved to please the customer” suggests that in many fields—be it business, art, or service—the idea of a “finished” product is often an illusion. Instead of viewing a project or task as something that can be completed and set aside, this perspective emphasizes continuous improvement and adaptation based on feedback.

At its core, the quote highlights several important concepts:

1. **Subjectivity of Completion**: What constitutes a “finished” job can vary significantly from person to person. A customer’s needs and preferences may shift over time, meaning what was once deemed complete may need revisiting and refinement.

2. **Focus on Customer Satisfaction**: The essence of this statement is about prioritizing the customer’s experience and satisfaction over merely ticking off tasks as done. This encourages businesses (and individuals) to engage with clients actively, seek their input, and make adjustments accordingly.

3. **Embracing Iteration**: In many modern methodologies like Agile development or Lean practices, there’s an emphasis on iterative processes where products are continuously refined through cycles of development and feedback rather than aiming for a single “perfect” launch.

4. **Learning Mindset**: Adopting an improvement-oriented mindset fosters learning and adaptability both personally and professionally. It allows individuals to embrace failures as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks toward completion.

In today’s world, this philosophy can be applied in numerous contexts:

– **Business Practices**: Companies are increasingly focusing on customer feedback loops; for instance, tech companies release beta versions of software to gather user insights before the full-scale launch. This iteration helps them fine-tune features based on real-world use rather than assumptions made during initial phases.

– **Personal Development**: On an individual level, one might approach personal goals (like fitness or skill acquisition) with an understanding that perfection isn’t the goal; instead, it’s about setting benchmarks for improvement—reflecting regularly on progress while adapting plans based on experiences along the way.

– **Creative Endeavors**: Artists often create works iteratively by seeking audience reactions during exhibitions or performances which guide subsequent creations instead of striving for one final masterpiece from the outset.

Overall, embracing this idea encourages resilience in facing challenges while fostering a culture centered around ongoing growth—a valuable principle whether in business environments or personal journeys toward self-improvement.

Created with ❤️ | ©2025 HiveHarbor | Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer| Imprint | Opt-out Preferences

 

Log in with your credentials

Forgot your details?