Out of the Crisis.Org

[Louis Altazan]

Every person likes to have what they see as in their own best interest. This is human nature and not necessarily bad. My best interest, properly guided, need not conflict with the best interest of all around me. That is an important detail. For instance, doing a very good job likely results in a satisfied client. Satisfied clients are more likely to return so I benefit, but so does the client.

Without strong self discipline or a strong internal ethic, people tend to concentrate on a short-term, self centered view. For instance, “I want what I want and I want it now!” While this may be misconstrued as our own self interest, it rarely is. Every person doing as they please normally results in chaos and all usually suffer as a result.

It is said, “A business left unled, will concentrate more an more on things of less and less importance to the client.” This is where leadership, Dr. Deming’s point seven, becomes imperative. An argumentative staff, need for strict procedures, low production and lack of fun in the work place are the normal symptoms.

I think the best leaders do not tell people what to do. They demonstrate how the aim of the business is in the personal best interest of all. In this way the leader is working with human nature, rather than against it.

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Louis Altazan
Owner/Manager AGCO Automotive Corporation
Baton Rouge, LA