We are Being Ruined by Best Intentions and Best Efforts

W. Edwards Deming said,

Best efforts and hard work will not suffice, nor new machinery, computers, automation, gadgets. One could well add that we are being ruined by best efforts put forth with the best intentions but without guidance of a theory of management for optimization of a system.”

What does he mean by this?  How can best intentions and best efforts make it worse? As he explains, if we are doing the wrong things such as tampering by altering methods based on results, thus increasing variation, rather than improving the process, and decreasing variation, it makes things worse.  He also suggests best efforts just get the wrong results faster.

An example of this phenomenon is described by Dr. Michael Greger, MD in his thought provoking, scientifically supported video “Do Mammograms Save Lives?“.  As he explains, the good intentions and best efforts used to encourage mammograms may be making things worse – not better.

As Deming explains, we need a method to achieve the goal or the goal would have already been achieved.  The method he recommends to improve is to have a clear aim and use his System of Profound Knowledge’s four interrelated areas: appreciation for a system, knowledge of variation, theory of knowledge and psychology.

I use these methods by working to generate comprehensive improvements by creating pervasive, reciprocal, selfish, selfless, synergistic, interactions so everyone and everything benefits, which is the Practice of Paneuegenesis. Make it a Great Week!

Be Well’r,
Craig Becker

Be selfish, selfless, & synergistic so everyone and everything benefits!

Contact me at:
Email: BeWellr@gmail.com