Death by a thousand management quotes

Stop abusing these things people never said about innovation

Over time I have collected many quotes about design, innovation and technology. I’ve used them often to make my point or just to look smart. And yes I know: you’ve probably been bored to death with a thousand management presentations or articles with these same quotes.

Yet here I am adding another one.

Because I believe we need to look beyond the surface of these cheesy quotes at what they really say or mean about the field of innovation and design. As we’ll see, many of these quotes were taken out of context, misinterpreted or oversimplified. Worse: many of them were never actually used by their authors.

So why do these quotes keep coming back? And why do I think they still hold value in a modern context? Because they summarize what I believe to be at the core of the innovation mindset: balancing data vs gut feeling, being flexible in the face of failure and listening to your customers.

About data (or not)

To data or not to data? The answer is (as always): it depends. Here’s why.

“Without data you’re just another person with an opinion.” — William Edwards Deming

It is very easy to abuse this quote by the father of the total quality movement, especially in a business environment: “You are wrong because you do not have data.” Boom. Argument done.