As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we are reminded that leadership is ultimately about service. True leaders look beyond personal gain to create value for others — their teams, their organizations, and their communities. In Lean thinking, this same spirit is captured in the principle of respect for people — developing others, listening deeply, and empowering everyone to improve the work.

Continuous improvement is not just about better processes; it’s about better people. When we serve others, we unlock creativity, commitment, and collaboration. Each improvement we make should aim to make someone’s job easier, safer, or more meaningful. That’s how we honor both Lean principles and Dr. King’s enduring message of purpose-driven action.

So today, let’s ask ourselves: What can I do — right now — to make things better for someone else?
Here are a few ways Lean leaders can honor Dr. King’s example:

• Listen with empathy — take time to truly hear your team’s challenges before offering solutions.
• Coach, don’t command — help others discover their own ability to solve problems.
• Recognize contributions — celebrate the small wins that make a big difference.
• Remove barriers — fix processes or policies that make work harder than it needs to be.
• Serve the community — volunteer time, share knowledge, or support a local improvement effort.

Every act of service — large or small — strengthens our shared journey toward excellence. By putting people first and helping others succeed, we not only improve our organizations but also carry forward Dr. King’s timeless vision of unity and purpose.

Lean leaders serve first, listen always, and improve together.