“Respect for people” isn’t about being nice—it’s about how leaders design systems, make decisions, and respond to problems. In Lean organizations, respect shows up through listening, job security, psychological safety, clear communication, and a commitment to learning rather than blame. This archive brings together blog posts, podcasts, and examples that explore respect for people as a core Lean principle—one that enables trust, engagement, continuous improvement, and better outcomes for customers and employees alike.
CNN – Nov. 22, 2005 How ironic that we’re reading about mass layoffs in the “big, old, and slow” companies (such as the auto industry) while there is a projected shortage of skilled manufacturing workers. There’s no shortage of people…
WSJ.com – The Culture of Winning This is a fantastic interview with the General Manager of the Atlanta Braves, John Schuerholz (requires WSJ subscription). Even if you’re not a baseball fan, it’s noteworthy that the Braves have won their division…
Uncommon Sense: Is It Lean…or Just Anemic? Every once in a while I run across a very misguided article/column on lean, this one falls into that category. If you’re experienced with lean/TPS, you’ll recognize the traps this author has fallen…
Quality Digest Magazine Many lean practictioners have read The Toyota Way, Jeffrey Liker’s book on the management system and management principles of Toyota. How many of us see the implementation of tools (like 5S or kanban) without recognizing the need…