The Human Constraint is a business novel with supplementary material for business leaders. It is inspired by dozens of implementations of the Decalogue methodology in Europe and North America since 1996. The Decalogue blends Deming’s philosophy with the Theory of Constraints in a cohesive, systemic approach to management. The novel explores an increasingly complex, interdependent and fast-changing world where companies must have a way to overcome obsolete mental models and embed continuous innovation in their operations with a coherent organizational model.

The story in Part One unfolds during the financial crisis that follows 2008 and illustrates how this affects a group of executives engaged in a transformation process. It charts their attempts through the crisis to transform part of an industry dominated by a zero-sum game mentality using a very different approach: an ethical and value-based supply chain where all stakeholders benefit.

Through the narrative in Part One, readers are exposed to a way to embed continuous innovation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving in action. In Part Two readers will find an introduction to a systemic method for management and the Thinking Processes from the Theory of Constraints.

These Thinking Processes can help readers develop the skills to:
■ Understand and analyze our current reality, as individuals and organizations.
■ Surface assumptions that keep us trapped in less-than-desirable situations.
■ Generate robust solutions/innovations.
■ Identify unintended consequences of what may seem like an effective idea and avert them upstream.
■ Resolve conflicts in a win-win way.

The knowledge, method, and tools to overcome obsolete mental models and practices exist. This book aims to present the reader, through narrative and supplementary material, with elements of a new way and a new economics that are fit for purpose in our age of complexity.

Dr. Angela Montgomery co-founded the first Decalogue Method company with Dr. Lepore in Milan, Italy in 1996 and co-founded Intelligent Management in Canada in 2010 to expand the work in North America. As a Partner of Intelligent Management, she has worked with CEOs and Executive Teams to break down barriers, build organizations as networks, create a positive culture, and accelerate growth. The Intelligent Management team helps leaders counter the sub-optimization that silo-thinking and behavior bring in organizations and radically improve performance to build sustainable prosperity.

Angela’s years of experience in adult education, research, and writing have allowed her to contribute meaningfully over the years to the development and promotion of the Decalogue knowledge base since its inception. She has a Ph.D. from the University of London in Literature and Science and has published with Cambridge University Press, MacMillan, CRC Press, and Springer.