Hearing the Voice of the Shingo Principles

3Principles and Foundational Truths

Because values govern behaviors and principles govern consequences, value principles.

Stephen Covey

For years I used the words “values” and “principles” interchangeably and have noticed that most people do the same thing. They are not! This chapter will focus on describing in detail the many intricacies of what a principle is. As the chapter closes I will try to summarize the differences between values and principles and explain why is it critical for leaders to know the difference.

From the previous chapter you recall that a value is a deeply held belief about what is important to each person. What we value the most has the greatest impact on our daily choice of behaviors. Values are influenced by our ...