Whom did Deming identify as a genius for recognizing when to act and when to leave a process alone?

Deming identified Shewhart as a genius for his ability to discern the appropriate moments to intervene in a process versus those times when it is better to allow the process to operate without interference. This insight is foundational to statistical process control, which focuses on understanding and managing variability in processes. Shewhart's work laid the groundwork for quality control methodologies, emphasizing the importance of data and statistical tools in making informed decisions about process improvements. His concepts of control charts and process stability are crucial for determining when a process is in a state of control and when it may require adjustment. This principle helps organizations avoid unnecessary interventions, ultimately leading to more efficient operations and better quality outcomes.