This quote highlights the fundamental principle that systems, whether they are business operations, societal structures, or personal habits, require active management to function effectively. Systems do not inherently possess the ability to manage themselves; instead, they rely on individuals or groups to guide their operation and ensure their success.
The “system” Deming refers to can be any organized structure with a specific purpose. It could be a companyS production line,an individual’s daily routine or even a country’s healthcare system. The key point is that these systems don’t operate in a vacuum – they need direction and oversight.
When Deming says “you have to manage a system”, he emphasizes the role of human intervention in ensuring that systems work as intended. This involves setting goals for the system, monitoring its performance, making necessary adjustments when things go wrong and constantly striving for improvement.
Applying this idea in today’s world could take many forms. In business management for example; companies must actively monitor and adjust their strategies based on market trends and customer feedback rather than sticking rigidly to an established plan. Similarly in public policy; governments need to continually assess and adapt their policies based on changing societal needs.
In terms of personal progress, this quote suggests that one cannot simply set life goals then sit back expecting them to happen automatically. Instead it requires ongoing effort – assessing progress towards those goals regularly and adjusting actions accordingly – much like managing a system.
Thus Deming’s quote underscores the importance of proactive engagement whether it’s running an organization or leading one’s life – highlighting that success is not automatic but requires consistent effort & management.
