Lean works when leaders cultivate and mobilize the creative power of people. Christians believe that people are created in the “likeness of God.” As a result, people have as set of abilities that are similar to those of God. Of course, our abilities are limited, imperfect, and distorted by sin. Despite this, they do have power which can be used for success in the marketplace. Here are a few examples:

• God CREATES and so do we. We don’t created from nothing, but re-arrange the materials, sounds, and colors that God made.
• God KNOWS things and so do we. God knows all things fully, instantly, and perfectly. We gradually learn throughout our lives through study, experience, and thought. Our knowledge is partial and often incorrect.
• God designs and upholds COMPLEX SYSTEMS and so do we. God created systems such as photosynthesis, blood-clotting, and global weather patterns. We create diesel engines, smart-phones, and business operations. Our systems are imperfect and can always be improved.

These abilities (and others) are fallen, but still able to produce results. Lean works when the “image-of-God” capabilities of EVERYONE on a team are used in a way that restrains their imperfections and amplifies their power.

Here’s a quote about “Lean product-development” that captures these truths:

“People are the single most important element of great product development systems. They provide the skills, energy, and creativity to drive your system and provide continuity over time. It is their ability to learn and grow that enables the system to evolve and improve. This is so important to the leaders at Toyota that they purposely develop people and products simultaneously.’” 

Designing the Future  by James M. Morgan and Jeffery K. Liker (McGraw Hill, 2019), p. 9.