“The Toyota Way can be briefly summarized through the two pillars that support it: ‘Continuous Improvement’ and ‘Respect for People.’ Continuous improvement, often called kaizen, defines Toyota’s basic approach to doing business. Challenge everything. More important than the actual improvements that individuals contribute, the true value of continuous improvement is in creating an atmosphere of continuous learning and in an environment that not only accepts, but actually embraces change. Such an environment can only be created where there is respect for people—hence the second pillar of the Toyota Way.” 

The Toyota Way 2nd Edition by Jeffrey K. Liker (McGraw Hill, 2021) p. ix.