Thank you for the deeper lesson on Deming. I've always been a fan, and now I'm even more so.
Conscious capitalism (while not a great moniker,) is an area I've been researching. Trying to find a way to balance the benefits we get with an open market against the seemingly inevitable outcome of income inequality that results. It's an area for deeper thought and more importantly, more experimentation.
The little I investigated into conscious capitalism made me realize that what it really takes is conscious leadership. And that, in turn, requires leaders to do a lot of their inner work. Most of the downsides of capitalism, writ large, are related to profit maximization at all costs which is typically a desire you DON'T have when you progress in your spiritual journey.
In fact, if we conceive of "spiritual" as simply what's not "material", then the pieces start falling in place. :)
I 100% agree it starts with human hearts, but even those with deep spiritual convictions are ultimately beholden to the shareholders in current systems. Things like B-Corps https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ are a really interesting pivot on the traditional model taking the goal of profit making for shareholders into a backseat.
Pelon, it makes me sad to hear suggesting Deming thinking gets you ostracized. There's a lot to be said about that. In your perspective, why is that? What buttons does it really push, in whom?
And thank you for reading and commenting. I won't tell your boss—I'll give you a pass, just this one time. :)
Most of the roles in my orbit (Tech/Aerospace) are managed quite poorly, with little/no respect for the ability of workers. "Accountability" means "the pre-assignment of blame". Managers today don't have to know the job of their subordinates, and that knowledge can be seen as a detriment in most cultures. I wish Deming was more prevalent in the way America does business.
Uff, that's a dreadful picture. I'm sorry you have to experience this.
It's also an interesting observation you make about managers today not having to know the job of their subordinates. I'm not sure how prevalent that is, and I certainly wouldn't condone such practice. For example, I was never a "great engineer" but I can't imagine having been an eng manager and vp eng without my eng background...
Thanks, Paulo, for this from-the-heart tribute to a truly great man. He showed us that it is possible to combine systems thinking with compassion. His recommendations were successful because he believed in the promise of other people.
So beautifully put, Arjun. I couldn't agree more. The idea that when it comes down to it it's either people OR profit never sat well with me. Dr. Deming showed to whoever wants to listen that it's people AND profit when we lead with "a soft heart and a strong back."
Thank you for taking your time to write this here. I appreciate you.
This is great! thank you for writing this and sharing it.
Deming is a huge influence on me. I was a reluctant "manager" until I discovered the work of people like Deming, and Peter R Scholtes, Russel Ackoff, Alfie Kohn, Margaret Wheatley et al.
Then it made sense - when looking at it from a Systems Thinking perspective.
Brilliant, Graham! Of those, I don't know Scholtes yet—will dig! And I suspect you are also familiar with Peter Senge?
I have been discovering Wheatley's work and it's fascinating. I recently read her recent book, "Who Do We Choose To Be?" and it was equal parts terrifying and enlightening. I love how she constantly brings it back to ancient cultures and their deep understanding of complexity and systems well before Newton got us all confused. 😅
Prateek, it makes me so happy to hear this. I was already a fan of Dr. Deming but after reading this book my appreciation deepened immensely. Appreciate your comment. 🙏
Fantastic essay, Paulo! I really enjoyed reading about your thoughts and impressions of Dr. Deming and his life.
Thanks, Christopher! It was your newsletter post that made me aware of Willis’ new book and led me to write this. 🙏
Thank you for the deeper lesson on Deming. I've always been a fan, and now I'm even more so.
Conscious capitalism (while not a great moniker,) is an area I've been researching. Trying to find a way to balance the benefits we get with an open market against the seemingly inevitable outcome of income inequality that results. It's an area for deeper thought and more importantly, more experimentation.
The little I investigated into conscious capitalism made me realize that what it really takes is conscious leadership. And that, in turn, requires leaders to do a lot of their inner work. Most of the downsides of capitalism, writ large, are related to profit maximization at all costs which is typically a desire you DON'T have when you progress in your spiritual journey.
In fact, if we conceive of "spiritual" as simply what's not "material", then the pieces start falling in place. :)
I 100% agree it starts with human hearts, but even those with deep spiritual convictions are ultimately beholden to the shareholders in current systems. Things like B-Corps https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/ are a really interesting pivot on the traditional model taking the goal of profit making for shareholders into a backseat.
I read this while at work. Please don't tell my boss :/
Suggesting a Deming-style philosophy at most companies will at best get you ostracized, and at worst, get you canned.
Deming is a beast! The best of dudes.
Pelon, it makes me sad to hear suggesting Deming thinking gets you ostracized. There's a lot to be said about that. In your perspective, why is that? What buttons does it really push, in whom?
And thank you for reading and commenting. I won't tell your boss—I'll give you a pass, just this one time. :)
Most of the roles in my orbit (Tech/Aerospace) are managed quite poorly, with little/no respect for the ability of workers. "Accountability" means "the pre-assignment of blame". Managers today don't have to know the job of their subordinates, and that knowledge can be seen as a detriment in most cultures. I wish Deming was more prevalent in the way America does business.
Uff, that's a dreadful picture. I'm sorry you have to experience this.
It's also an interesting observation you make about managers today not having to know the job of their subordinates. I'm not sure how prevalent that is, and I certainly wouldn't condone such practice. For example, I was never a "great engineer" but I can't imagine having been an eng manager and vp eng without my eng background...
Thanks, Paulo, for this from-the-heart tribute to a truly great man. He showed us that it is possible to combine systems thinking with compassion. His recommendations were successful because he believed in the promise of other people.
So beautifully put, Arjun. I couldn't agree more. The idea that when it comes down to it it's either people OR profit never sat well with me. Dr. Deming showed to whoever wants to listen that it's people AND profit when we lead with "a soft heart and a strong back."
Thank you for taking your time to write this here. I appreciate you.
This is great! thank you for writing this and sharing it.
Deming is a huge influence on me. I was a reluctant "manager" until I discovered the work of people like Deming, and Peter R Scholtes, Russel Ackoff, Alfie Kohn, Margaret Wheatley et al.
Then it made sense - when looking at it from a Systems Thinking perspective.
Brilliant, Graham! Of those, I don't know Scholtes yet—will dig! And I suspect you are also familiar with Peter Senge?
I have been discovering Wheatley's work and it's fascinating. I recently read her recent book, "Who Do We Choose To Be?" and it was equal parts terrifying and enlightening. I love how she constantly brings it back to ancient cultures and their deep understanding of complexity and systems well before Newton got us all confused. 😅
Peter Senge - Yes! I have his fifth discipline.
I'd highly recommend Peter Scholtes - The Leader's Handbook . He applies a lot of Deming principles. an excellent book.
Love this essay! Really stands out among lots of newsletters that regularly land in my inbox. Fantastic read 💙
That means a lot, Gregory! Thank you. Hope you’re well. 🙂
Really enjoyed reading this, and glad to see more Hagakure landing in my inbox. Thanks for sharing
So kind of you, Flinn. Really glad this post was enjoyable and gave you some insight into Deming. Thanks for your support, and enjoy your weekend. 🙂
I'm a huge Deming fan and this is so great to read. Thanks!
Prateek, it makes me so happy to hear this. I was already a fan of Dr. Deming but after reading this book my appreciation deepened immensely. Appreciate your comment. 🙏
A great story! That's the second time I hear about him, and now I'm definetely going to read the book.
The last part is a bit confusing. I understood the criticism, but not the suggestion on how to overcome it. Or you left it as an open question? :)
Indeed, Anton, I left it not as one but four open questions. :)
Yeah I was wondering if they somehow referenced some
Information discussed above that I missed :)