Continuous improvement practitioners and leaders know that it is always about the people. Spending Thanksgiving with family and friends reminded me that I also have a work family who deserves the same respect and consideration that my biological family receives. Treating people with dignity and care is not just ethical but also vital for the success of any business and community.
This topic brings me back to Bob Chapman’s keynote speech at the AME Cleveland 2023 International Conference. He received a standing ovation for his talk on people and leadership. Chapman, author of “Everybody Matters,” stated, “If we build great organizations where people feel valued, cared for and trusted, they will treat their families and communities better. Together, we can change the world.”
Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, is a long-term friend and partner of AME. We share a common vision of human-centered leadership, putting people first and genuinely caring for employees. We know this creates a more motivated and productive environment. When we treat people like family and they feel valued and respected, organizations flourish. By nurturing employees and helping them thrive, organizations can strengthen communities.
As continuous improvement professionals, isn’t this what we genuinely want? We want our teams to feel empowered, trusted and able to be open and honest in their communication with everyone. This authentic approach to caring for employees will lead to a collaborative environment and a stable workforce with improved employee retention.
Compassion is key to human-centered leadership. Leading with a strong sense of purpose and alignment is essential for organizations. Again, this sounds like a family, doesn’t it? When we put people first, everyone succeeds. Leaders have a responsibility to serve their employees, building relationships rooted in trust and mutual respect.
Chapman emphasizes that in many workplaces, people are treated as mere resources or tools to achieve organizational goals rather than as whole human beings with emotions, aspirations and potential. This contributes to employees feeling a diminished sense of self-worth and well-being. He shares that a new “measurement” of impact should significantly reduce this “poverty of dignity.”
Chapman challenges us to rethink the role of business in society. He advocates for a leadership revolution where companies become forces for good by prioritizing the well-being of their people. He shares how workplace culture doesn’t just affect employees but also their families. Happy and fulfilled employees are more likely to be patient, kind and supportive of their loved ones.
This holiday season, let’s continue to work together as continuous improvement professionals to put people first. Stay tuned for some exciting news regarding AME’s reinvigorated PEOPLE-CENTRIC LEADERSHIP HUB in 2025.
I wish you all a happy holiday season as we all continue to do what is right for our people. As always, please stay safe and keep looking out for one another.
