W. Edwards Deming

Date of Birth: October 14, 1900

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: December 20, 1993

Biography

W. Edwards Deming, born William Edwards Deming, was an American engineer, statistician, professor, author, lecturer, and management consultant. Born on October 14, 1900, in Sioux City, Iowa, Deming is perhaps best known for his work in Japan after World War II, where he taught top management how to improve design (and thus service), product quality, testing, and sales through various methods, including the application of statistical methods. Deming was a key figure in the development of Total Quality Management (TQM) and is credited with helping to revolutionize the manufacturing industry in Japan, leading to the country’s reputation for high-quality products. His philosophy emphasized the importance of understanding variation, the system of profound knowledge, and the role of management in achieving quality. Deming’s work laid the foundation for what became known as the Deming System of Profound Knowledge, which includes principles such as appreciation for a system, knowledge of variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology. He received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Ronald Reagan in 1987. Deming passed away on December 20, 1993, but his legacy continues to influence management practices worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about W. Edwards Deming

1. Deming’s work in Japan earned him the Second Order Medal of the Sacred Treasure from Emperor Hirohito.

2. He introduced the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, also known as the Deming Cycle.

3. Deming’s teachings were largely ignored in the United States until Japan’s success brought attention to his methods.

4. He wrote several influential books, including “Out of the Crisis” and “The New Economics for Industry, Government, Education.”

5. The Deming Prize, established in 1951, is one of the highest awards for TQM in Japan and is named in his honor.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from W. Edwards Deming

1. “In God we trust; all others must bring data.”

2. “It is not enough to do your best; you must know what to do, and then do your best.”

3. “Quality is everyone’s responsibility.”

4. “The aim of leadership is not merely to find and record failures of men, but to remove the causes of failure: to help people to do a better job with less effort.”

5. “The biggest problems are where people don’t realize they have one in the first place.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, W. Edwards Deming’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, primarily from his consulting work, book sales, and speaking engagements.