C. Keith Ray

C. Keith Ray writes about and develops software in multiple platforms and languages, including iOS® and Macintosh®.
Keith's Résumé (pdf)

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Against Command And Control


(Originally posted 2003.Apr.23 Wed; links may have expired.)

Dale writes in "Dale Emery, Bureaucrat" that his department was being changed from serving others to ruling others.

I think this increase in command and control is a recent trend in the industry, a fear reaction to the current economic climate. But remember: "The more you tighten your grasp, the more star systems will slip through your fingers." -- Princess Leia, Star Wars.

Hmm. I suppose a quote from a fictional character isn't the most effective. How about this: "If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment." -- Marcus Aelius Aurelius (121-180 AD), Roman emperor. And this: "An intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction" -- Hoshang N. Akhtar

I'm going to have to read more about Deming. These are his "14 points":


  • 1. Create constancy toward improvement
  • 2. Adopt new philosophy
  • 3. Cease dependence on inspection for quality
  • 4. Minimize cost
  • 5. Improve constantly
  • 6. Institute job training
  • 7. Institute leadership
  • 8. Drive out fear
  • 9. Break down barriers
  • 10. Eliminate slogans
  • 11. Eliminate management by objective
  • 12. Right to pride of workmanship
  • 13. Institute self improvement program
  • 14. Accomplish transformation


  • Keith Ray is developing new applications for iOS® and Macintosh®.. Go to Sizeography and Upstart Technology to join our mailing lists and see more about our products.

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