Comments on: Humility, or What Does Dirt Have to Do with Lean?

By: markrhamel

markrhamel — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 23:40:04 +0000

Hi Tom,

Thanks for the comment and the kind words! I agree, there are a lot of leaders who miss the boat (heck, they miss the ocean as well) when it comes to the human side. While the technical (acting our way into a new way of thinking and doing) is critical, it must be balanced with the soft side. People who feel that their leaders do not respect them are typically less engaged and less willing to take the risk associated with change.

Best regards,
Mark

By: Tom Fairbank

Tom Fairbank — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:52:43 +0000

Mark,

I’m always amazed at how many organizations claim their lean but completely miss the boat on the “human” side of transforming the business. Humility is just one characteristic of the enlightened leader.

Great website.

Tom

By: markrhamel

markrhamel — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:22:31 +0000

Hi Jerry,

Thanks for the comment – thought provoking question. I think the subject and essence of humility transcends pretty much all subjects.

Best regards,
Mark

By: Jerry Foster

Jerry Foster — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 02:57:09 +0000

Mark,
Great perspective on humility, not just for Lean, but in general.

What self important person would we point to for our children to mimic?
Best regards,
Jerry

By: markrhamel

markrhamel — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:20:26 +0000

Hi Dale,

Thanks for the comment! It may seem counterintuitive, but it takes courage to be humble.

I think that your observation of the Amish principles and behavior have a lot of merit.

Best regards,
Mark

By: Dale Savage

Dale Savage — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:42:52 +0000

Most people think that humility will lower their follower’s opinion of them. However, the opposite tends to be true. Humility builds confidence because a humble person does not hide behind a mask, trying to portray something that is not there. When we are working on an improvement project, we must be humble enough to recognize if our ideas are not working out as we thought they would which provides a learning opportunity. A proud person will never acknowledge a “mistake” but will cover it up or shift the blame to someone else. That, in turn, prevents the establishment of confidence in that person.

Here’s an interesting sideline, at least from my perspective. Two foundational principles of the Amish are humility of mind and stewardship of the earth. Maybe there is more to that connection than at first appears.

By: markrhamel

markrhamel — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:23:25 +0000

Hey Ron,

Yes, Paul of Tarsus (one of my favorite sensei) got it right! Talk about transformations…

Best regards,
Mark

By: Ron Pereira

Ron Pereira — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 01:40:06 +0000

“…With humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself” (Philippians 2:3).