A Bad System Will Beat a Good Person Every Time

Mohammed Al Mamun
3 min readOct 23, 2023
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“A Bad System Will Beat a Good Person Every Time — W Edwards Deming”

This is so true; being a victim myself of a bad system, I have learned the importance of having an efficient and fair system in place.

It’s easy to think that being a good person is all it takes to be successful. However, Dr. W. Edwards Deming’s quote reminds us that this is not the case. In fact, an inefficient system can quickly bring down even the most well-intentioned and hard-working individuals.

Systems play a critical role in our personal and professional lives. From how we operate at work to how we manage our daily tasks, systems are all around us. They can either make or break us.

A good system can lead to increased productivity, efficiency, and overall success, while a bad system can lead to frustration, wasted time and resources, and, ultimately, failure.

Being a good person is not enough to succeed

If you want to succeed, being a good person is not enough. You also need a good and efficient system in place. You may be talented, wise, and intelligent. You may have exceptional emotional intelligence and excellent people skills. But without a good system to support and guide you, it can be challenging to reach your full potential.

On the other hand, a bad system can bring out the worst in people. It can create an environment of chaos, confusion, and unfairness. This not only affects individual performance but also team dynamics and overall morale.

Moreover, a good system should be fair and just. It should treat all individuals equally, regardless of their personal characteristics or affiliations. This not only promotes a sense of equality and respect but also improves trust and loyalty within the system.

In the workplace, an efficient and fair system can lead to a positive work culture, increased employee satisfaction, and higher retention rates. It can also attract top talent who are looking for a supportive and transparent environment.

It’s crucial to continually evaluate and improve systems to ensure they are meeting their intended goals. This involves gathering feedback from those directly affected by the system and making necessary adjustments.

A good person brings their values, morals, and work ethic to the table, while a good system provides the structure, processes, and tools necessary for success. Without one or the other, there will be gaps in achieving optimal results.

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A good system helps to streamline processes and eliminate unnecessary steps, allowing individuals to work more efficiently and effectively. This not only saves time but also reduces stress and frustration for employees. With a well-designed system, individuals can focus on their strengths and areas of expertise, leading to better overall performance.

So, let’s remember the wise words of Dr. W. Edwards Deming and prioritize creating and maintaining good systems in all aspects of our lives. It may take time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Let’s strive for efficiency, fairness, and continuous improvement in everything we do.

Together, we can create a better and more prosperous world for ourselves and those around us.

To wrap up, a bad system will always beat a good person. It’s essential to prioritize developing and maintaining efficient and fair systems in all aspects of our lives. This not only leads to personal success but also creates a positive impact on those around us. Let’s strive for continuous improvement in our systems for a better future.

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Mohammed Al Mamun

Writer✍🏼 Audiophile 🎶 👾 Gym Lover 💪🏼 Gadget Freak 📱 Get in touch @ www.mywordes.com