Eliyahu Goldratt Has Died - 11 June 2011

 

I was very sad to read in an email this morning that Dr Eliyahu Goldratt died yesterday, 11 June 2011.

Eli Goldratt is the creator of the Theory of Constraints and author of many books including The Goal, It's Not Luck and Critical Chain.

I first read The Goal when I was finance director for a manufacturing business in about 1990. I bought it on Saturday and gave it to my Operations Director to read on the Monday morning, he stayed up all night reading it and by Tuesday morning we were talking about how the ideas applied to our business.

In recent months I've been thinking much more about how the Theory of Constraints can be applied to strategic planning and how you can differentiate your business.     

Just this week I've bought the Theory of Constraints Handbook and another book on how to apply the TOC Thinking Processes.

Legend and genius are words that are used too often.

But for Eli Goldratt, they apply.

His ideas are challenging since they attack the way you think things should be done, until he points out the false assumptions and the unexpected consequences of which come through as endesirable effects.

As we know, complex problems have an inherent simplicity.

Below is the email bearing the bad news.

Sixty-four years ago a giant was born.

Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt spent his entire adult life fighting to show that it is possible to make this world a better place. We must have the honesty to see reality as it is, we must have the courage to challenge assumptions, and above all, we must use the gift of thinking. Having applied these principles to various management fields, he created the Theory of Constraints. His concepts and teachings have expanded beyond management and are being used in healthcare, education, counseling, government, agriculture and personal growth - to name a few fields using TOC. His legacy is invaluable.

On June 11th, 2011 at noon, Eli Goldratt passed away at his home in Israel in company of his family and close friends.

The strength and passion of Eli allowed him to spend his last days sharing and delivering his latest insights and breakthroughs to a group of people who have committed to transfer this knowledge to the TOC Community during the upcoming Theory of Constraints International Certification Organization Conference in New York.

It was Eli's last wish to take TOC to the next level - truly standing on the shoulders of the Giant he is.

"I smile and start to count on my fingers: One, people are good. Two, every conflict can be removed. Three, every situation, no matter how complex it initially looks, is exceedingly simple. Four, every situation can be substantially improved; even the sky is not the limit. Five, every person can reach a full life. Six, there is always a win-win solution. Shall I continue to count?"

Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt
1947- 2011

Rest in peace.

Comments

[John]

I think Eli Goldratt's influence will grow as more people accept the Theory of Constraints thinking processes.

I've heard that they are taught in some schools. Imagine the power of a young generation being able to cut to the core of the problem and then work out how to solve it without causing more problems.

I still think it's seen mainly as a manufacturing solution because most people start with The Goal.

[Barry Payne]

Like you, I discover Eli Goldratt's ideas many years ago and have recently come back to them.

It's very sad to hear about his death but his ideas will live on and be developed into many new areas.

[Hélder L. da Costa]

As a muslim I'm sure Eli Goldratt has been blessed by the God of Abraham.

[Paul Simister]

Thanks for your comments.

While we are all sadden by the death of Eliyahu Goldratt, we should be celebrating the gifts he gave us during his life.

I'll be linking to obituaries for him when I can find them.
In the mean time, here is the link to Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eliyahu_M._Goldratt

[Paul Simister]

TOC TV have released this video to celebrate the achievement and powerful thoughts of Eli Goldratt.

https://www.toc-goldratt.com/TV/video.php?id=470

[Paul Simister]

I'm still looking for obituaries for Dr Eli Goldratt
All I've found so far is this from the Argyll News which is more a tribute
http://forargyll.com/2011/06/eli-goldratt/

[Paul Simister]

This post is getting a lot of traffic following Eli Goldratt's death including questions like "what did Eli Goldratt die from?"

I've picked up from a TOC Linkedin Group I'm a member of that he was recently diagnosed with cancer (later confirmed as lung cancer) which was in its late stage and spread quickly. Sadly the aggressive treatment he was given didn't work.

[Paul Simister]

I've just received this email about Dr Eli Goldratt's memorial

"As you may already know, Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt passed away on June 11th, 2011.

We know that many people would like to pay respect to Dr. Goldratt’s memory and provide encouragements to the Goldratt family.

It is custom in Jewish tradition to unveil the tomb at the 30 days mark. The ceremony will be conducted on July 11th, in the afternoon, in Israel.

The Goldratt family would like to extend the invitation to the 30 days ceremony to all those that would like to attend. An 'evening gathering' would then be conducted at a respectable venue in honor of Dr. Goldratt. During this gathering, people will have a chance to pay respect by telling their story about “Eli Goldratt”.

In order to make the necessary arrangements, the family would like to know, as soon as possible, how many people would be attending.

If you would like to be present at the memorial event, please contact Dorit Shechter at dorit.shechter@goldrattgroup.com or at +972-3-9737475. Dorit will also help anyone requiring accommodation and travel information.

You can also continue sharing your thoughts, stories and comments for the TOC community and the Goldratt family at www.eligoldratt.com/messages.

Sincerely,
Eli Goldratt's friends"

[SERGIO FERRARA]

I spent my holidays reading Goldratt's book and other TOC's articles. I read only today about such sad news. I feel like a friend of mine passed away. A GENIUS passed away.