The prevailing - and foolish - attitude is that a good manager can be a good manager anywhere, with no special knowledge of the production process he's managing. A man with a financial background may know nothing about manufacturing shoes or cars, but he's put in charge anyway.

The quote by W. Edwards Deming critiques the common but misguided attitude that a good manager can succeed in any industry without specific knowledge of the production process they oversee. Deming points out the folly in appointing managers, especially those with a background in finance, to lead manufacturing operations like making shoes or cars without understanding the intricacies involved. This approach can lead to inefficiencies and poor decision-making because the manager lacks the necessary expertise.

The origin of this quote lies in Deming’s extensive work in quality management and process improvement, particularly in manufacturing industries. Known for his influence on the Japanese manufacturing renaissance, Deming stressed the importance of understanding the technical aspects of production to effectively manage and improve processes. His critique highlights the gap between leadership skills and technical knowledge, urging organizations to value both.

This quote resonates because it challenges a widespread assumption in business management, emphasizing that success requires more than general management skills—it demands a deep understanding of the specific work being done. Deming advocates for managers who are not only good leaders but also knowledgeable about their industry’s unique challenges and workflows.

In summary, W. Edwards Deming’s quote warns against the mistaken belief that any manager can manage well without industry-specific knowledge. It underscores the importance of combining management skills with a solid grasp of the production process to achieve effective leadership and operational success.