W. Edwards Deming has a lot to say on how businesses can better optimize.
I can tell you what they are, yet I fear it won’t click… So,
Let me paint a quick picture OUTSIDE the business world,
Using SCHOOL as our example.
Deming warns Americans:
If we want to remain a superpower, we need to improve our educational system. One way to do this:
ABOLISH GRADES.
Why?
Because they fucking vile!
They do the opposite of what they were intended to do!
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the destructive power behind grading system:
- Forced ranking is 100% subjective (representing one teacher’s opinion only)
- It creates artificial scarcity (of top grades)
- It replaces intrinsic motivation with extrinsic motivation
- It is demoralizing and destroys self-esteem, joy in learning
- These grades have become more important than learning.
There are 1000 ways to say this.
I can pick 100 examples in my own life.
Surely, you can too?
After the shock of “OMG, if we didn’t have grades, then what would we do?”
After that wildly uncreative thought wears off and you begin to think clearly:
Reflect on your own life:
Why is it that you hate math? Let me guess: You don’t know. You say it’s “Just cause I’m not good at it.” But really,
Could it be because of that repressed memory from that judgmental bitch Mr. Smith in 1st grade poking fun at you in front of the whole class because you didn’t immediately blurt out the precise response to his scripted, long-winded, boring-ass question in that particular moment as your mind drifted as a direct response of his inability to engage, provide meaning, arouse curiosity; to actually teach, only to have him judge you by comparing you with your classmates…
Are you familiar with the Pygmalion Effect?
The Pygmalion Effect is a psychological phenomenon where a person’s high expectations of another individual can lead to improved performance from that person, essentially creating a self-fulfilling prophecy where the expectations themselves influence the outcome; in simpler terms, believing someone is capable can actually make them perform better because of the way you treat them based on that belief.
Origin: The term comes from the Greek myth of Pygmalion, a sculptor who fell in love with a statue he created so perfectly that it came to life.
Research: Most notably studied by psychologists Robert Rosenthal and Lenore Jacobson, who demonstrated how teachers’ expectations significantly impacted their students’ academic performance.
Application: This effect can be seen in various settings like classrooms, workplaces, and even personal relationships where positive expectations can lead to improved performance and negative expectations can hinder progress.
There is so much I want to say…
Business School is next level B.S.
Before I get too riled up:
Let me tone it down using different words:
Why W. Edwards Deming Said We Must Abolish Grades in Our Schools:
W. Edwards Deming, the father of quality management, was a strong critic of traditional grading systems in schools. He argued that grades do more harm than good, stifling learning, creativity, and long-term success. His insights, rooted in systems thinking and continuous improvement, remain highly relevant today.
The Problem With Grades: A System of Fear
Deming saw grades as part of an outdated system built on ranking and competition, rather than genuine learning. He believed that grades create:
- Fear of failure – Students focus on avoiding bad grades rather than embracing mistakes as learning opportunities.
- Short-term thinking – Instead of understanding concepts deeply, students cram information just to pass a test.
- Unhealthy competition – Learning becomes a zero-sum game where students are pitted against each other rather than encouraged to collaborate.
In his work with businesses, Deming observed that employees perform better when they are intrinsically motivated rather than driven by fear. He saw the same principle apply to education: when students are motivated by curiosity instead of fear of bad grades, they develop a lifelong love of learning.
Grades Do Not Measure Learning
Deming emphasized that traditional grading fails to accurately measure a student’s knowledge, skills, or potential. A single letter or number cannot capture:
- Critical thinking skills
- Creativity and problem-solving ability
- Collaborative and communication skills
- Long-term understanding of a subject
Instead, grades encourage memorization and regurgitation of information without deep comprehension. Deming likened this to how businesses rely on superficial metrics that give misleading pictures of performance.
The Alternative: A System Focused on Learning
If grades are abolished, what should replace them? Deming advocated for a system that prioritizes real learning over arbitrary ranking. This includes:
- Individualized feedback – Instead of a single letter grade, students should receive constructive feedback that helps them improve.
- Mastery-based learning – Students should advance when they truly understand a concept, not just when a semester ends.
- Collaboration over competition – Education should foster teamwork, just as businesses thrive when employees work together rather than compete against each other.
What This Means for the Future
Deming’s insights challenge us to rethink education. Schools should not function as sorting mechanisms but as places where every student can grow, improve, and contribute meaningfully to society. The goal should be to develop thinkers, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners—not just test-takers.
As more educators recognize the flaws in traditional grading, alternative models like competency-based education and portfolio assessments are gaining traction. Perhaps it’s time we fully embrace Deming’s wisdom and build an education system that truly supports learning.