He’s absolutely right – we can’t success with compliance and authority-based workplaces. People need to create their own rules and procedures – that’s the only way they can have full ownership of their work and true accountability for the organization’s results. We can’t force “accountability” or force compliance to standardized work.

Leaders can, if they follow the lessons of Deming, Sholtes, Senge, etc. create an environment where people can be fully engaged, work in partnership with their leaders, and have pride and joy in doing high-quality work.

This same lab director turned me on to a great book I’m tearing through right now – “Authentic Conversations” by the Showkiers