Lead With Respect (EN)

The "respect" part of Lean has always been difficult to understand. Exactly that's what's in this novel. Toyota's approach consists of two main parts:

1. continuous improvement
2. respect for people

The respect part has always been hard to understand. Exactly that comes into focus in this novel by Michael Ballé and his father Freddy. As in their other books, you are drawn into the story as if you are experiencing the learning process yourself. In this book, the CEO of a software company learns the meaning of respect from a representative of one of her key customers. This client has adopted respect as a corporate culture. Although the software company is doing a poor job, this client gives the CEO a chance to turn things around ... if she is willing to learn. With some reluctance, she does so and we empathize with her struggles how to lead with respect. As we read, we are educated ourselves in a lively and entertaining way. Suddenly "leadership" is no longer just a slogan, but comes to life as the authors manage to translate the concept of respect into concrete behavior.

Leadership is a popular topic. Social media like Twitter and LinkedIn contain many one-liners about and comments on leadership, Sometimes it seems like everyone has their own theory about it. The authors do not add yet another theory to the literature. Instead, they clarify what leadership in a Lean organization looks like in reality and in practice.

For an even better understanding and to challenge yourself, we recommend the (English) Gold Mine Trilogy Study Guide.

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