As we enter the world of autonomous technology, the book “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” by Eli Goldratt should inspire us to think about how to manage the change we are experiencing, what to change for the greater good of all humans, and how to make the change happen.
"The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement" was published forty years ago. This book revolutionized business, education, and any organization interested in improvement.
In today's conflicted world, the world of politics may take the book's message to heart.
One of Eli Goldratt's convictions was that an individual or organization's goal should not be defined in absolute terms. A good goal definition sets us on a path of ongoing improvement. This is a lesson our congress can learn, not only in managing itself but also in focusing on legislation that will impact technology. BTW, the book offers a lesson religious organizations can understand and a lesson for our lives.
There are several editions, the last being the 30th-anniversary edition and the third containing case studies. However, the storyline is the same in all editions.
The book is a novel, and like all novels, parables, and metaphors, they are based on real-life experiences. This makes the book timeless; the lessons learned are applicable in real life as life evolves.
The author of the book, Eli Goldratt, and the main character in the book, Alex Rogo, who in real life was Donn Novotny, a university professor turned entrepreneur, are two men I am grateful who entered into my life at the right time to lead, guide, and inspire my life career in both business and teaching.
One of Eli's most famous sayings is on the tombstone of Eli’s grave. It sums up the heart and soul of the book and should be the guiding light as we enter the world of emerging technology.
"I smile and start to count on my fingers: One, people are good. Two, every conflict can be removed. Three, every situation, no matter how complex it initially looks, is exceedingly simple. Four, every situation can be substantially improved; even the sky is not the limit. Five, every person can reach a full life. Six, there is always a win-win solution. Shall I continue to count?” ~ (quote from Goldratt’s book The Choice)
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