It is important for Lean performers to read works not intended for a Lean audience. One of those works I recommend is Charles Taylor’s The Ethics of Authenticity, first published in 1991. Taylor is a philosopher and political scientist currently a professor emeritus at McGill University. The book addresses Taylor’s prescription for addressing three malaises, which can briefly be described as individualism, the primacy of instrumental reason, the consequences of individualism and instrumental reason for political life.

Lean performers sensitive to the necessity of integrating the “Respect for People” and “Continuous Improvement” principles, rather than focusing exclusively on the latter, will recognize Taylor’s concerns regarding a trend toward both individualism and primacy of instrumental reason leading us toward acting instrumentally, even manipulatively, toward the people around us.

A central theme of the book is first the importance of recognizing the tension between individualism and seeing oneself solely in the context of a social group; and the tension between the primacy of instrumental reason and the importance of moral principles. Taylor argues that rather than favor either extreme there is the need to navigate these tensions to arrive at a life that balances the positive aspects individualism and social integration; and the positive aspects of reason and morality.

Especially if you have been struggling to gain a better understanding of the “Respect for People” principle, this book is a thoughtful work that merits your attention. It is concise, easy to read and digest, and as relevant today as when first published.