The Principles I Work By
Over a lifetime of work in manufacturing, quality, management, technology and human development, certain principles have remained constant.
These are not rules imposed on others or theories collected from textbooks. They are principles shaped by experience and tested through practice — principles that guide how I think, work, solve problems and work with people.
80% Preparation. 20% Execution.
Good execution begins long before execution itself. Take time to understand the problem, plan the work, prepare properly and equip yourself with the right tools.
Learning should never end with formal education.
What is good today can be better tomorrow.
Quality should be built into the work, not inspected in afterwards.
Whatever you choose to do, do it to the best of your ability.
The best solution is often the one that makes necessary work simpler.
Every honest task has dignity. Respect the work, the people involved and yourself.
Confront problems directly and vigorously, but never turn a problem into a personal attack. Solve the cause, improve the system and preserve the dignity of people.
Principles endure, but understanding deepens. These principles will continue to be refined through experience, reflection and learning.