W. Edwards Deming may not be a familiar name to most people, but his wisdom is invaluable when it comes to effective leadership and managing systems. He played a significant role in both winning World War II and rebuilding Japan afterwards. Deming believed that most problems are system problems and should be the responsibility of management. His expertise in statistical process control allowed for the prediction of defects before they occurred, leading to improved quality and production. But what sets Deming apart is not just his knowledge, but his compassion. He refused any compensation for his work and dedicated himself to helping the starving and destitute in post-war Japan. Deming’s belief in the Japanese people motivated them to rebuild and prosper, making him a true inspiration. Ultimately, Deming’s teachings remind us of the importance of leading with heart, making connections, and nurturing living systems rather than optimizing machines.
https://hagakure.substack.com/p/the-hagakure-64-the-heart-of-w-edwards