For more than 30 years, CEOs have claimed that wages for workers are too high. American CEOs were the first apprehend and exploit this claim followed by CEOs in most other countries. Is this true? Are wages too high? Consider that Western-style business is normally conducted under the doctrine of … [Read more...] about The Fraudulent Claim of High Wages
Cold, Crass, and Graceless
Empathy? No. Appreciation? No. Gratitude? No. Leadership? No. UPDATE (16 December 2020). Better late than never; better this than nothing: "Remembering Norman Bodek, the “Miraculous Life” of an Author, Teacher, and Publisher of Groundbreaking Business Books" by Chet Marchwinski … [Read more...] about Cold, Crass, and Graceless
Norman Bodek (1932-2020)
Condolences to the family of Mr. Norman Bodek (obituary). I had many wonderful phone and e-mail conversations with Norman over the last 18 years. He was a beloved figure, always accessible and always helpful. A humble man, life-long learner, and earnest in his life's mission to help humanity … [Read more...] about Norman Bodek (1932-2020)
The 737 Max and CSCU Board of Regents
An opinion piece published in The Connecticut Mirror on 22 December 2020. For more than 15 years I have taught a graduate course where students perform formal failure analysis of senior management decisions. We study disasters such as the Wells Fargo fraud, Equifax data breach, GM faulty … [Read more...] about The 737 Max and CSCU Board of Regents
No Santa Claus?
In Western culture, parents encourage young children to believe mythological characters such as Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy. They are part of the magic and fun of early childhood and parenting. Other cultures have similar mythological characters for children. Parents who … [Read more...] about No Santa Claus?
Mass Producing Happiness
Most people are not familiar with the history of progressive management because they do not see how it is relevant to today's problems or needs. But I can assure you this history is relevant to humanity today and beyond. Beginning in the late 1800s with what later became known as Scientific … [Read more...] about Mass Producing Happiness
Lean — Survival or Decline
When we think of Lean management, we probably do not think of it in evolutionary terms. But we should for two reasons. First, evolution takes a prominent place in the thinking of Toyota production system and Toyota's overall management system -- the need to evolve in response to the reality of … [Read more...] about Lean — Survival or Decline
Guide to Books
Here is a guide to my books. It will help you understand the range of tiles and subject matter. Go to the books page and click on the book covers to learn more about each book. Leadership Reimagined Why Leaders Reject Lean Management Lean … [Read more...] about Guide to Books
Are Lean People Stupid?
No, not stupid, but certainly blind to how their rhetoric is interpreted by those whom they wish to influence most -- CEOs. We have all done it. I as well as most others, people you know and don't know. Frederick Winslow Taylor did it. Taiichi Ohno did it. Our beloved and iconic Lean CEO, Art Byrne, … [Read more...] about Are Lean People Stupid?