{
  "id": 14001496,
  "title": "‘Good products come from good thinking’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/good-products-come-from-good-thinking",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-12T16:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Philippine Star Business",
    "slug": "philippine-star-business",
    "url": "https://www.philstar.com/business/2026/10/13/2562734/good-products-come-good-thinking"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A reader inquired about the relative value of a single genius idea versus a multitude of lesser ideas. The response is clear: both perspectives are equally important. Every idea, no matter how small or seemingly trivial, holds worth and contributes to problem-solving. This perspective is rooted in Toyota's approach to cultivating and accepting ideas from its workers, regardless of their perceived value. The key lies in the collective efforts of an army of problem-solvers, who provide high participation and implementation rates, forming an ongoing improvement cycle. Toyota alone receives around one million suggestions annually from its global workforce, with an average of 67,000 per month in 2023. These ideas, often minor enhancements, are the result of continuous thinking and improvement at the shop floor level. The foundation of this approach is Toyota's established Creative Idea Suggestion System, a cornerstone of the Toyota Production System (TPS). However, the essence of TPS is even more profound, which the author prefers to rename as the Thinking People Strategy (TPS 2.0). This strategy underscores the critical role of rational thinking and human ingenuity in driving progress. Even with advancements in technology, human thought remains essential to explore and determine which issues are worth addressing. The TPS 2.0 mindset extends beyond mere automation, focusing on stimulating people's thinking, an endeavor that machines cannot replace. It's about fostering an environment that encourages and empowers individuals to think, rather than merely following commands. This shift moves away from the traditional command-and-control management style, which stifles creativity and productivity. Taiichi Ohno, the creator of the Toyota Production System, emphasized that his workers continue to come to Toyota because they are driven to think. This is a stark reminder that innovative ideas and substantial products are born from good thinking, not mere action or noise. In conclusion, good products and services are not only the result of brilliant minds but are also significantly shaped by an environment that encourages and rewards thinking.",
  "summary": "A reader asked me on a Facebook chat: “Who is better – an individual genius who gives ideas worth millions or an army of problem-solvers giving their two-cents worth?” My answer is both. Giving ideas is not a zero-sum game.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}