What Does It Mean to Think Deeply? The Foremost Quality of a Leader: Profound Calmness and Weightiness

This time, Inamori* spoke about the above motto in Kyocera philosophy.

What Inamori said is quoted with “”.

As a continuation of what I discussed last time regarding “the qualities of a leader,” I would like to reflect further on this subject.

“So then, what kind of person can be considered a truly first-rate individual? Lü Xinyu once said, “The foremost quality is to be profound, calm, and heavy with substance (深沈厚重).” In other words, he pointed out that the highest quality for a leader is to possess noble character and outstanding humanity.

However, in reality, we have often chosen leaders in our society based on what Lü Xinyu listed as the third quality—that is, talent and intelligence.

For example, a young student takes the national civil service examination and becomes a career bureaucrat in the central government. These students, who are brilliant enough to pass the civil service exam or the bar exam, enter the bureaucracy solely on the basis of academic tests. Then, depending on their performance rankings within the ministry, they climb the ladder until they eventually become administrative vice-ministers. This is the structure of Japan’s bureaucracy.

Similarly, in the private sector, we have adopted a system where students with excellent grades are recruited through examinations, and then, simply on the basis of being “smart,” they are promoted step by step until they reach positions such as executive director or president. We have been under the illusion that intelligence and eloquence alone define a first-rate person, and by elevating such individuals to leadership positions across all sectors of society, I believe we have contributed to the moral decline we see in today’s world.

As I have repeatedly emphasized, the most essential quality in the philosophy and principles a leader should possess is a heart that is fair and selfless. The ability to reduce one’s ego to zero—this is of utmost importance.”

At this point, I would like to reflect more deeply on the concept of “深沈厚重 (profound calmness and weightiness),” which Inamori cites here.

First, regarding depth of thought, the following points are key:

Let me now explore each of these in greater depth.

1. Does the person avoid hasty decisions and act only after careful consideration?

Words of Mr. Inamori

“A person who has developed the habit of thinking with utmost seriousness—even about the smallest and most trivial matters—receives training day after day, and thereby becomes ever more refined. Their ability to think grows sharper, more incisive, and naturally faster as well. Thus, when such a person reaches greatness, they can listen to a matter and immediately say, ‘Ah, then it should be handled this way.’ It is not that they are simply recalling a past experience; rather, it is that their mind itself is turning over thoughts at that speed. They have trained themselves in this way continuously, throughout the years.”

(Quoted from the “Inamori Digital Library.”)

→ My comment:

When one is overconfident or conceited, one tends to make hasty decisions. I believe it is important always to pause for a moment, to ask oneself, “Is this really so?” and to simulate how someone who holds an opposing view might respond.

2. Do they listen attentively to others without reacting emotionally?

Words of Mr. Inamori

“There were also times when, precisely out of concern for that person’s well-being, I deliberately refused to lend money. On one occasion, the father of one of my employees was in great difficulty, and late at night both father and son came together to visit my home. After carefully listening to their situation, I firmly declined their request.”

(Quoted from the “Inamori Digital Library.”)

→ My comment:

In order to listen to others with a level mind, without letting waves of my own emotions rise, I have studied psychology and worked to release my mental blocks.

When we become emotional while listening to someone, it is often because a particular inner element—a mental block—is being triggered.

For example, if one carries the belief, “I must never be looked down upon, I must never be treated as inferior,” then even words from one’s staff can be misinterpreted as a personal attack.

While running my business, I invested much time in learning psychology and training to overcome such mental blocks. Although it took effort, I have found that this study has been extremely helpful in enabling me to listen to others in a calm and impartial manner.

3. Do they avoid judging people superficially, striving instead to discern the essence of things?

Words of Mr. Inamori

“In other words, because we humans possess a physical body, we inherently carry a heart that is selfish and full of desire.”

(Quoted from the “Inamori Digital Library.”)

→ My comment:

Gaining insight into human nature is, I believe, extremely difficult. Even for myself, I cannot say with confidence that I truly grasp my own essence.

To view myself objectively, I regularly attend sessions with external counselors and listen to their impartial perspectives. This reveals how difficult it is to see oneself—or others—clearly.

In order to make sound judgments about people and situations, I also employ two methods: Sanmeigaku (Chinese destiny studies) and the Hawaiian Aloha Tarot. These tools provide hints that remind me, “This may be how I see things, but there are other perspectives as well.”

For example, when hiring someone, such methods can provide useful clues for discerning a candidate’s true nature, strengths, weaknesses, personality, and approach to work.

* 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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