289 Quotes by Clayton M. Christensen

Data has an annoying way of conforming itself to support whatever point of view we want it to support.

On one side of the equation, there are the elements of work that, if not done right, will cause us to be dissatisfied. These are called hygiene factors. Hygiene factors are things like status, compensation, job security, work conditions, company policies, and supervisory practices.

Disruptive innovations create jobs, efficiency innovations destroy them.

Decide what you stand for. And then stand for it all the time.

The best strategy is a balance between having a deliberate one, and a flexible, or emergent strategy.

What are the assumptions that have to prove true in order for me to be able to succeed in this assignment?

First, disruptive products are simpler and cheaper; they generally promise lower margins, not greater profits. Second, disruptive technologies typically are first commercialized in emerging or insignificant markets. And third, leading firms’ most profitable customers generally don’t want, and indeed initially can’t use, products based on disruptive technologies.

Because if the decisions you make about where you invest your blood, sweat, and tears are not consistent with the person you aspire to be, you’ll never become that person.

Many think of management as cutting deals and laying people off and hiring people and buying and selling companies. That’s not management, that’s deal making. Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magnificent profession.