Robert S Hartman and Formal Axiology - Leading for Good

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Ron discusses the work of Robert Hartman, a lesser-known thinker whose ideas have had a lasting impact, particularly in the fields of value science and business ethics. Hartman’s key contribution is the notion that 'good' is the fulfillment of a concept, applied to everything from cars to human potential. The discussion explores how his philosophy led to innovations like profit-sharing and the Hartman Value Profile, tools that help individuals and organizations uncover blind spots and maximize their potential for goodness. Ron highlights the relevance of Hartman’s ideas for leadership, business, and personal growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Robert Hartman, born in 1910 and passed away in 1973, is considered one of the least well-known but significant thinkers of the 20th century.
• 😀 Hartman’s core idea is that **goodness** is when something fulfills its concept completely. For example, a good car fully serves its purpose of being a reliable means of transportation.
• 😀 Hartman’s work suggests that goodness is not an abstract idea but a functional concept that applies to all aspects of life, from products to people.
• 😀 A **good person**, according to Hartman, is someone who fully realizes their potential, similar to how a good object fulfills all the qualities inherent to its concept.
• 😀 Hartman’s most influential contribution to business was the **concept of profit-sharing** in the 1940s, which later led to widespread practices like the 401(k) program in the United States.
• 😀 The **Hartman Value Profile** (HVP), developed by Hartman and Mario Cardenas, is a tool that helps individuals reflect on and clarify their values by answering simple questions about priorities.
• 😀 The modern version of HVP, the **Acumen Capacity Index**, is used by coaches and organizations to identify blind spots, enhance self-awareness, and improve decision-making in personal and professional contexts.
• 😀 Hartman’s ideas help individuals and organizations evaluate the alignment between their actions and values, leading to a more effective and fulfilling life.
• 😀 Formal axiology, the study of values, can be applied to assess and improve business structures, guiding companies to make decisions that positively impact employees, customers, and communities.
• 😀 Hartman’s philosophical work provides a framework for evaluating daily choices, such as whether a product is good or bad, and larger societal questions like whether government policies create conditions of peace or conflict.

Q & A

Who is Robert Hartman, and why is his work considered significant?

Robert Hartman was a 20th-century philosopher and value theorist who explored the nature of 'good' and its application in various aspects of life. His work is significant because he developed a formal system for understanding and measuring value, which has influenced fields like personal development, leadership, and business ethics. His ideas on goodness and value are still used today to improve decision-making and organizational success.

What is Hartman’s definition of 'goodness'?

Hartman defined goodness as when something fully fulfills its concept or essence. For example, a 'good' car is one that fulfills all the qualities we expect from a car, such as transporting us efficiently, looking aesthetically pleasing, and being energy-efficient. The same principle applies to people, philosophies, or any entity—goodness is realized when something achieves its full potential.

How did Robert Hartman contribute to business practices, specifically in profit sharing?

In the 1940s, Robert Hartman introduced the concept of profit sharing, advocating for businesses to share a portion of their profits with employees. He believed this would lead to greater fulfillment among workers, who would feel more connected to the company’s mission. This idea laid the foundation for practices like the 401(k) retirement plan, which is now a standard in many companies.

What is the Hartman Value Profile, and how is it used?

The Hartman Value Profile is a tool developed by Robert Hartman in collaboration with Mario Cardenas. It helps individuals assess their value systems by having them rank a list of items according to their preferences. The profile provides a snapshot of how a person perceives the world and their personal values, helping to identify strengths, blind spots, and areas for growth.

How does the Acumen Capacity Index relate to Hartman’s work?

The Acumen Capacity Index is a modernized version of the Hartman Value Profile. It is used in coaching and leadership development to help individuals gain clarity on how they perceive goodness, badness, and other values in different areas of life, such as work, relationships, and personal goals. It helps individuals improve self-awareness and make more informed decisions based on their value system.

What practical insights can Hartman’s work provide for business leaders?

Hartman’s work offers business leaders a framework for evaluating the value their organizations provide to stakeholders—employees, customers, and the wider community. It helps leaders design businesses that not only meet financial goals but also contribute positively to employees’ well-being, customer satisfaction, and sustainable practices, thereby creating long-term value.

What does Hartman’s concept of 'good' have to do with everyday life?

Hartman’s concept of 'good' is highly applicable in everyday life. From evaluating the quality of a product or service to deciding if we are having a 'good day,' the concept of goodness shapes our decisions and experiences. We constantly assess whether things fulfill their intended purpose, whether it’s a job well done, a healthy meal, or an engaging relationship.

Can Hartman’s ideas help businesses address sustainability issues?

Yes, Hartman’s ideas can be applied to sustainability. By evaluating whether a business is fulfilling its concept of providing long-term value—whether it contributes positively to the environment, uses resources responsibly, and considers its impact on society—leaders can design more sustainable business models. Hartman’s framework helps organizations understand the broader implications of their operations and guide them toward better practices.

How can personal development benefit from Hartman’s value system?

Personal development can benefit from Hartman’s value system by using tools like the Hartman Value Profile or Acumen Capacity Index to gain deeper self-awareness. These tools help individuals understand how they prioritize values, recognize blind spots, and identify areas for growth. This awareness can lead to more intentional decisions, better alignment with personal goals, and improved relationships with others.

What role do coaches or mentors play in helping individuals apply Hartman’s ideas?

Coaches and mentors play a crucial role in helping individuals apply Hartman’s ideas by guiding them through self-reflection and helping them recognize their strengths and weaknesses. They use tools like the Hartman Value Profile to assist individuals in understanding their value system and making decisions that align with their potential. A coach can also help someone work through blind spots or biases, leading to more informed and effective decision-making.