A Path Forward -
Mikan E'niigaanimok

This book is to celebrate centuries of thriving Indigenous peoples across the globe; to recognize the gifts that Indigenous history and wisdom have bestowed on non-Indigenous peoples, and to understand how those gifts continue to add to growth and development for all of us. Our frame is the concept of continuous improvement in business. There are many frames we could have started with, but this one is important because of the current struggle in global business to move away from short-term, bottom-line thinking and achieve greater sustainability, through a longer-term, inclusive lens.

Work on this book required relentless attention to respect for difference, without judgment or bias. Because much of our bias is automatic—a learned response to difference—we must learn new ways. Bias is based on what Linda calls “unexamined assumptions”. The authors hope the reader will be able to recognize some of their own unexamined assumptions and begin to experience better continuous improvement outcomes.

A Path Forward

Reviews

Essendial Reading, we have a good way forward.

At the heart of this book is an approach based on universal human values to help people work and live successfully together. Think sustainable and inclusive. The approach is drawn from Anishinaabe values and practices and it’s written in a way that anyone can use. The book opens a lens on an ancient and enduring worldview, which makes it an invaluable gift in these turbulent times. I recommend it to everyone.

Alexander Paul

For Managers Searching for Meaning

Dwight Powless and Dr. Linda Manning Immerse us in a holistic view of business and management from the Anishinaabe culture perspective and timeless wisdom. The book is a call for managers and leaders to give a higher meaning to what they do. The Native North American culture and practices echo and enhance the best features of Lean Enterprise Business thinking. I highly recommend the book to those in management positions searching for ways to scape the short term traps of quick profits and good looking metrics, and find instead a solid proposition for long term sustainable and meaningful results.

Edwin Garro

What a terrific read! Helps Cororate Canada think differently about continuous improvement

Dwight and Linda have done a masterful job explaining that there is more to continuous improvement than just trying to improve the bottom line. There is another way to think about all of this, and we need only turn to the Anishinaabe for the better way. The iDRAFT model presented by the authors is profound. It provides a path that we can all use in our personal and professional lives. As a long-time student of the power of indigenous teachings, I was humbly reminded that demonstrating the core values of kindness and honesty during one's early intentions, will play significant dividends on the journey to inclusion and sustainability. This book will connect the dots for you. Dwight and Linda feed off of each others indigenous and non-indigenous perspectives in a unique and inspiring way. As the knowledge keeper shared with Dwight who shard with the readers, just "Do Right and Do Good to Do Well", or said another way, values matter.

nickjavor