Out in Front

Abstract:The recent series of failures in finance, industry, and politics, with economically devastating consequences, indicates that a new system of leadership is needed. This "profound leadership" is transformational and holds a core set of principles that produces benefits for all stakeholders, not just a privileged few. The "system of profound knowledge," developed by noted business management consultant W. Edwards Deming in the 1980s, is a theory of related principles that requires a leader or manager to consider all organizational aspects when making decisions. This system of leadership includes four parts: 1) appreciation for the system; 2) knowledge about variation; 3) theory of knowledge; and 4) knowledge of psychology. This means recognizing how processes are interconnected and how they function as a whole within the larger environment so the organization can reach intended expectations. All elements interact with one another to create a comprehensive strategy for leading others and managing …

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Dr. Deming's work continues to inspire and guide, and it was a real pleasure to read Mr. Schultz' article. Leaders tap into the passion that people carry within them and develop organizations that are 'sustainable' in all regards. Those who manage with a sense of Deming's Profound Knowledge and commitment to continual learning will see more improvement to help make life better for all of us...
--DanR, 02-13-2013

The article definitely brings the fervour of modern day leadership. Leaders are purpose driven visionaries who embody the core values of trust, respect, functional thought process,and walk the talk. Good article to introspect and reflect.****
--Madhu Moosapeta, 01-25-2013

Leadership role is neatly defined and easily understandable. Response to variation is essential factor when data is not available. The leader need to be innovative and play coach and supportive role through team.
--Ramaswamy, 01-15-2013

Very nice. As I noted in a blast email to our staff

"I’ve long worried that the word “leadership” has found its way to the overflowing landfill of clichés (sports Is the worst offender, even worse than business), but this brief article was very reassuring.

I have to believe that everyone can be leaders in appropriate circumstances where they bring prepared minds to the events at hand. Anyone can Step Up. Cultivating such prepared minds (and the safe environment wherein they can flourish) has to yield a significant, advantageous organizational asset."
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I would also recommend Mercier & Sperber's "Why do humans reason?"

http://www.dan.sperber.fr/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/MercierSperberWhydohumansreason.pdf

"Reasoning is generally seen as a means to improve knowledge and make better decisions. However, much evidence shows that reasoning often leads to epistemic distortions and poor decisions. This suggests that the function of reasoning should be rethought. Our hypothesis is that the function of reasoning is argumentative. It is to devise and evaluate arguments intended to persuade.
Reasoning so conceived is adaptive given the exceptional dependence of humans on communication and their vulnerability to misinformation."

In other words, facts and logic will only get you so far. True leadership requires more, if your goal is to add value to the world.
--Bobby Gladd, 01-14-2013

A very good article, it really feels that the new system of leadership described fits with our current reality.
--Willian Onuki, 01-08-2013

Nice job!! I believe that one of the reasons that there is so much interest in leadership is simply because by and large we see so little of it done correctly ... you bring out some key aspects of what it means to lead effectively...
--Michael Willis, 01-08-2013

An article for everyone to read. It brings awareness, and it is a first step into knowing, how to be and how to choose a leader.
--Maria , 01-02-2013
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