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One important aspect in lean manufacturing is “Respect for People,” or more correctly, “Respect for Humanity.” But while it is mentioned frequently in presentations and books on lean manufacturing, what it actually means is often glossed over. And it is not an easy topic to write about. There is no “5 Steps to Respect for ... Read more
The post Respect for People – Introduction first appeared on AllAboutLean.com.People expect things to work, every day, before all else. Bosses, however, expect their staff to follow orders, before all else. Whatever your job is, don’t get fooled in thinking that success is defined by your boss’ approval. Bosses change, […]
The post Success starts with the continuity of customer satisfaction appeared first on Lead With Lean.
Strategy entails answering two questions: 1) Where are we going?, and 2) How are we going to get there?
Last time I talked about how we might create a pull for achievement, and thereby transcend the limitations of the carrot & stick.
Today I’d like to talk about how we stay the course. Achievement is hard, achievement hurts. How do we sustain our drive in the face of hurtles, hassles and hammerheads?
The ancients defined Four Cardinal Virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Justice and Courage.
Courage is the most admired, and rightly so. (Marcus Aurelius called in Fortitude). Breakthrough – transcendent, enduring achievement – requires all the Cardinal Virtues, and courage most of all. In fact, Courage makes the other virtues possible.
So what is Courage? It is not fearlessness. Courage is the capacity to overcome fear.
Courage, like True North, entails head and heart. [Getting the Right Things Done]
Courage without the head is simply foolhardiness. Courage means you understand the risks, and do it anyway.
Is courage a virtue under any circumstance? I'd say not. Is a courageous terrorist admirable?
Courage is only admirable when exercised in the service of others, of the greater good, of True North.
So what does this all mean for the practicing manager? Define & communicate Purpose clearly. Seek to develop Courage in yourself and your team.
Courage is our fuel. Understand that achievement hurts, and that you will fall down many times.
‘Fall down seven times, get up eight times…’
Best regards,
Pascal
In case you missed our last few blogs... please feel free to have another look…
"How Will You Motivate Your Team, Pascal-san?"
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I've stopped sharing every single episode of the “My Favorite Mistake” podcast here on the blog, but I will share episodes that feature folks from the Lean community. Today's “My Favorite Mistake” is one such episode, featuring my friend (and frequent Lean Blog Interviews guest) Katie Anderson. We're also joined by Isao Yoshino, the retired […]
The post Katie Anderson & Isao Yoshino Talk About Their “Favorite Mistakes” appeared first on Lean Blog.
What is your favorite mistake? Ever since my friend Mark Graban first started his new podcast last year exploring this provocative question, I have been pondering what I would consider to be my favorite mistake. I’ve made so many — some small, some big, some very personal, some shared — and all opportunities for learning. […]
The post My Favorite Mistake Podcast appeared first on Katie Anderson.

I was pointed to this tweet late last year: Here is the chart in question: It's an important question from the British NHS — of course, we'd want patients be be treated with dignity and respect while in the hospital. The tweet makes a claim that the percentage of respondents saying “Yes, always” had “increased […]
The post Learning From These Charts About Patients and Dignity (and Improvement) appeared first on Lean Blog.
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Want to have a chance to win one of these snazzy “My Favorite Mistake” coffee mugs? It's the perfect vessel for your coffee or tea… sip and listen! Click here to enter (open to U.S. addresses only due to shipping costs)
The post New Giveaway Contest: Win a “My Favorite Mistake” Mug! appeared first on Lean Blog.