24 | Deming’s Journey to Profound Knowledge [with John Willis]

Chain of Learning: Empowering Continuous Improvement Change Leaders

If you're passionate about continuous improvement, quality, or operational excellence, chances are Dr. W. Edwards Deming has shaped your journey—even if you haven't realized it yet.

But do you know how this influence came about and the profound impact Deming’s management theories have had on shaping quality and improvement approaches such as Lean, Agile, and DevOps?

I've invited John Willis, author of "Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge," to today’s episode to explore Deming’s learning journey to become the father of the quality movement and how he influenced the development of the Toyota Production System and Japan’s rebirth following World War II.

We discuss Deming's pioneering management teachings and how you can apply his System of Profound Knowledge to solve problems in today's complex work environments.

We also explore the four lenses of the System of Profound Knowledge—appreciation for a system, understanding variation, theory of knowledge, and psychology—and how integrating these concepts can elevate your approach to leadership and improvement.

Tune in to discover how you can apply these management theories to solve the complex problems within your organization today.

YOU’LL LEARN:

• The fundamental essence of leadership and how connecting people with purpose can drive organizational success.
• The significance of Deming's System of Profound Knowledge and the integration of its four components.
• How experiencing lean principles in action differs from theoretical knowledge and why it's critical for effective change leadership.
• The role of psychological safety in fostering an environment where everyone's input is valued.
• Insights on how Deming’s principles apply to contemporary challenges, such as generative AI, emphasizing the importance of operational definitions and probability in managing complex systems.

IMPORTANT LINKS:

• Full episode show notes: ChainOfLearning.com/24
• John’s book “Deming’s Journey to Profound Knowledge” - here
• Get the book “Learning to Lead, Leading to Learn:” LearningToLeadLeadingToLearn.com
• Work with me: KBJAnderson.com
• Connect with John Willis: linkedin.com/in/johnwillisatlanta
• Follow me on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kbjanderson
• Learn more about the Japan Study Trip leadership program: KBJAnderson.com/JapanTrip

TIMESTAMPS:

• [00:00] An introduction to today’s guest and author of "Deming's Journey to Profound Knowledge," John Willis
• [05:04] Dr. Deming’s concept of profound knowledge
• [05:43] The four elements to understand complexity
• [12:23] How the Toyota Way pillar of Continuous Improvement = Wisdom and Kaizen
• [20:13] The impact of a collaborative culture
• [24:03] Deming’s people-centered leadership approach
• [28:56] John’s key takeaways a year after joining my executive Japan Study Trip leadership program
• [41:39] John’s advice on applying Deming’s principles today and the development of GenAI

Apply for the May 2025 Japan Study Trip here:
https://kbjanderson.com/japantrip/

Upcoming 'Ask Me Anything' Episode
Submit your questions here: https://chainoflearning.com/ask