Stephen Covey on Toyota’s Respect for People and Lean Leadership

In this interview, Stephen Covey shares his perspective on Toyota’s “Respect for People” principle and why trust, empowerment, and leadership beyond command-and-control are essential to Lean success. Recorded at the Shingo Prize Conference, the conversation connects Covey’s ideas about the knowledge-worker age with the Toyota Production System. More than a historical artifact, this interview remains highly relevant in 2026 as organizations grapple with Lean leadership, psychological safety, and building cultures of trust. Why Stephen Covey’s … Continue reading Stephen Covey on Toyota’s Respect for People and Lean Leadership