A Lean Journey 
On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.
With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s a good moment to reflect on the lessons many of us learned long before our professional journeys began. Mothers often shape our values in ways that stay with us throughout life—through everyday actions, encouragement, and the quiet example they set.
Many of the qualities we associate with strong leadership—patience, resilience, empathy, and dedication—are lessons we often see first at home. These lessons may not come with labels like “Lean thinking” or “continuous improvement,” but they often embody those principles in powerful ways.
When I think about the influence my mother had on me, several simple yet meaningful lessons stand out.
Lessons I Learned from My Mom
- Care About People First
My mom always emphasized the importance of caring for others. Strong relationships are built on empathy, kindness, and listening—qualities that are just as important in leadership as they are in family life. - Be Patient and Persistent
Not everything works out right away. My mom taught me that patience and persistence often lead to better outcomes. Continuous improvement requires the same mindset—steady progress over time. - Pay Attention to the Little Things
Small details matter. Whether it was keeping a home running smoothly or helping someone through a difficult moment, she showed that the little things often make the biggest difference. - Stay Positive and Keep Going
Life brings challenges, but attitude matters. My mom had a way of staying optimistic and moving forward, reminding me that resilience is one of the most important qualities we can develop. - Give More Than You Take
One of the most lasting lessons was the importance of generosity—helping others, contributing where you can, and leaving people and situations better than you found them.
Mother’s Day is a reminder that many of the values that shape our leadership start long before our careers do. The patience, care, and dedication we learn from our mothers often become the foundation for how we support teams, solve problems, and lead others.
Some of the most meaningful lessons in life are not taught in classrooms or offices—they’re learned at the kitchen table, in everyday conversations, and through the steady example of someone who cares deeply.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms whose lessons continue to guide and inspire us.
