Today I’m continuing my series of posts on W. Edwards Deming’s “14 Points.”
Deming’s 2nd Point: Adopt The New Philosophy
What is the “new philosophy” and how does it translate to leadership in the church?
Here’s a quote from Out Of The Crisis …
We are in a new economic age. Western management must awaken to the challenge, must learn their responsibilities, and take on leadership for change.
Basically, way back then (the book’s copyright is 1982) Deming was talking about the organization learning and implementing the 14 Points. Given the mindset of “management” at the time, this was a major shift in thinking. In fact, it was so major that a few decades earlier “western” (US) management rejected Deming and his 14 Points. He headed over to Japan and, well, we all know what happened.
Fast forward to today’s leadership. And, go even further to today’s church leaders. What can we learn from the 14 Points and the notion that systems, processes, and methods improve at a much faster pace if we “adopt the philosophy?” What would happen if we created organizations that actually allow the people within them to freely do their jobs, without fear of being ridiculed when they make mistakes or otherwise be subject to “pain” from their leaders when things don’t go the way the leaders think they should.
Hmmm… What a concept.
What did Deming mean when he wrote his 2nd point: Adopt The New Philosophy? He meant that we as leaders need to read and heed. We need to get with the program and adjust our leadership style to really allow others to succeed.
It’s that simple.
I like to think that my 8 Fundamentals Of Leadership are the fundamentals that great leaders employ when they’ve adopted the new philosophy.