Motivations and Aspirations

The feedback I have received recently about some of my controversial blog posts (here, here, here, and here) have led some people to question my motivations. In particular, accusations about advancing a personal agenda and financial gain. So, let me address these here.

My motivations, from the beginning, are to:

• Learn and practice what I have learned
• Advance the understanding of Lean leadership
• Fill gaps in understanding that others have not covered or covered poorly
• Help people improve themselves and their processes
• Continuously improve my teaching

I wish to serve others and do not have any desire to assume a position greater than I presently possess.

My vision for Lean management and for people who work for a living is:

• Lean evolves into a system for improving human health
• People leave work physically and mentally healthier than when they arrived

My aspirations are simple, and not about me. They are to:

• Advance the “Respect for People” principle
• Expand awareness and understanding of Lean leadership
• Help assure that Lean is practiced by leaders in ways that do not harm employees and other stakeholders
• Help people and organizations succeed with REAL Lean

In regard to financial gain, I do like to sell books that I have written; written for the purpose of helping people improve. All of my books center on Lean leadership the “Respect for People” principle because they have long been the major deficiencies in practice that have resulted in Fake Lean and therefore harm to people.

And, as my teaching schedule permits, I like to do some public speaking and Lean leadership training. This income funds my research activities and helps me continue to do the work that I do. But I have no illusions about becoming wealthy from these limited activities. My first responsibility is to my employer.

Some time ago, Mark Graban characterized me as “the greatest advocate for workers and the ‘Respect for People’ principle.” That’s about right.

So, that’s it. Please don’t imagine my motivations and aspirations to be anything other than what I have said here.

from Bob Emiliani http://www.bobemiliani.com/motivations-and-aspirations/