This time, Inamori* spoke about the above motto in Kyocera philosophy.
What Inamori said is quoted with “”.
“ To help from your subordinates and those around you in your work, you must be the one who initiates and demonstrates tasks as a good example. Even for the tasks which your staff don’t do, you should be willing to do them first. No matter how beautiful your words are, unless you conduct what you say, those words will never sound convincing to your staff. By proactively demonstrating, through your actions, what you want your staff to do, those around you will follow you.
Leading by example requires courage and conviction, but by always keeping this in mind and executing what your words, you can also improve your personality. We must create a corporate culture in which everyone, not just those in leadership positions, leads by example. ”
Recently, I learned about this part of the philosophy together with female staffs at our company. A staff member had been a full-time housewife for many years. However, I realized that full-time housewives are the ones who are best at leading by example. Here are some reasons why:
1. They always pay attention and affection to all family members
2. They never get bothered by work that most people don’t like
3. They never ask for compensation
Let me explain them one by one.
1. They always pay attention and affection to all family members
“ I thought seriously about whether a leader should stay on the battlefield: be in the rear or go to the front line. I think both are true. It is true to stay the leader must stay in the rear and command the entire army, but it is also justified for the leader to fight together with his team on the front line and encourage his subordinates while on the brink of death. I realized that the leader maintain the balance in conducting both responsibilities. “
→ Assume a housewife with multiple children, she naturally and spontaneously l pay attention to all of them. Even if the younger child resists going to school, the mother never forgets about the older child’s issues in his/her career and health. Mothers are the ones who can care about everyone. Therefore, I believe housewives already have the basics to demonstrate this initiative in workplaces. I believe they can demonstrate such skills and qualifications in their work as well.
2. They never get bothered by work that most people don’t like
” Let’s think about a unit commander who stays on the front line, scrubbing through muddy trenches, encouraging his soldiers who are on the brink of collapse, even at the risk of his own life, some people may think he is a great leader. “
→ Mothers always do things like changing their child’s diapers, willingly sticking their hands in filth, and caring for their parents without feeling like it’s a burden. A mother who is willing to sacrifice her own life to protect her child is very precious. I think those mothers also can become good leaders. I believe most mothers have been devoting themselves to family members, and therefore, mothers have such a strong presence in various countries around the world.
3. They never ask for compensation
“ It may be necessary to stay in the back and have an overall view. But there will always be people who use that as an excuse later. In other words, they will justify their selfish actions by saying they are not in the easiest position, but they must stay in the safe side to get the big picture. I know actually they don’t want to be in danger in the front line. “
→ No mother will ask for giving back the milk they gave their child when the child grows up. I think that mothers and housewives are those who put all their efforts into the work that most people don’t want to do, simply with altruistic minds. They desire the health and fulfillment of their families. In that sense, I think mothers and housewives have the qualifications and capabilities of a great leader.
So, to sum up, a leader must lead by example. I think that housewives who always give attention and affection to all the family members, who willingly do things that others don’t want to do, and who are altruistic and do not seek rewards, can be good leaders. I feel that I have to keep creating a better work environment where such people can comfortably demonstrate their abilities.
* Mr. Kazuo Inamori, the founder of Kyocera, KDDI (one of the top tele communication companies in Japan) and the top of revitalization project of JAL. As a well-known Japanese entrepreneur, he has been sharing his experiences and management know-how with managements of small to middle companies in Japan.
Further queries or doubts, please email to ytomizuka@abrilsjp.com
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