On Fridays, we reflect on powerful Lean quotes that help us pause, learn, and grow. Words from visionary leaders don’t just inspire—they remind us of the foundational principles that drive long-term success.
This week’s quote comes from Eiji Toyoda, one of the most influential figures in modern manufacturing and a key architect of what we now know as the Toyota Production System (TPS):
"…employees are offering a very important part of their life to us. If we don’t use their time effectively, we are wasting their lives."
— Eiji Toyoda, Former President and Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation
This quote isn’t just motivational—it defines one of the core Toyota Production System principles: Respect for People. Toyoda’s philosophy highlights a truth often forgotten in traditional management: time is life, and wasting it is disrespectful.
What Is the Toyota Production System (TPS)?
The Toyota Production System is a manufacturing philosophy that aims to eliminate waste, improve quality, and maximize customer value. TPS forms the backbone of modern Lean manufacturing practices worldwide.
Key Historical Milestones of TPS:
TPS vs Lean Manufacturing: Understanding the Difference
While the terms TPS and Lean Manufacturing are often used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same. Lean manufacturing is an evolution of TPS principles, adapted for broader use across industries and cultures.
Embedding Lean Into Company Culture
Eiji Toyoda’s approach to leadership wasn’t about implementing tools—it was about embedding Lean into the company culture. The "Respect for People" pillar is what distinguishes Lean culture vs traditional culture.
Traditional Culture vs Lean Culture
Eiji Toyoda and the Cost of Wasted Time
Toyoda emphasized that inefficient workflows aren’t just bad for business—they’re disrespectful to the human beings doing the work. This mindset isn’t philosophical fluff. It’s backed by data.
Time Wasted at Work: Survey Insights
A global survey of over 100,000 employees in 2,000+ companies revealed shocking stats:
💡 These statistics reflect a failure to apply TPS kaizen and continuous improvement in the workplace.
Respect for People = Respect for Time, Skills, and Growth
One of the least discussed but most crucial Toyota Production System principles is human development. It’s easy to invest in machines or software. It’s harder—but more valuable—to invest in people.
Key Ways to Practice “Respect for People” in TPS:
Provide clarity: Ensure every team member knows what adds value and what doesn’t.
Remove barriers: Give people the tools, data, and autonomy to solve problems.
Develop skills: Offer on-the-job and off-the-job training to unlock their full potential.
Engage in Kaizen: Allow employees to lead improvements through small, iterative changes.
Eliminate wasted effort: Streamline meetings, approvals, and workflows.
Final Thought: Respect Is the Foundation of Lean
In remembering Eiji Toyoda, we aren’t just honoring a man who lived to 100—we're honoring a philosophy that changed the world.
If you're serious about implementing Lean, start by embracing this mindset: Respect your people's time like it’s your most valuable resource—because it is. That’s not just good leadership. That’s Lean.
Quick Action Tip:
Want to avoid becoming one of the 88% of companies disrespecting their employees’ time?
Start your week with a Gemba walk—go to the place where work happens, ask questions, listen, and learn. Then act on what you hear.
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