This time, Inamori* spoke about the above motto in Kyocera philosophy.
What Inamori said is quoted with “”.
“ People who try new things at work are those who believe in their own potential. You can never do new or difficult things when you assume you can’t do it based on your as-is capabilities. Human ability can be expanded infinitely by continuing to try.
When trying to do something, first you must believe that human ability is infinite. You must keep trying with a strong desire to achieve it no matter how difficult it looks. Kyocera started from scratch and has become one of the world’s leading manufacturers. This is the proof of this motto. It is important to always believe in your own infinite potential and take on challenges. “
As Inamori says here, it’s difficult for an ordinary person like me to suddenly believe that I have infinite possibilities. However, to believe in infinite possibilities and to get staff to believe in them, the following steps are important:
1. Highlighting staffs ‘strengths
2. Continuing daily efforts
3. Sharing with staff the fulfillment in achieving goals
Let me explain one by one.
1. Highlighting staffs ‘strengths
” For example, in the real world, staying healthy can be considered one of the skills or capabilities. A person who can say, ‘I have never had a serious illness, and I rarely catch a cold. I am perfectly healthy,’ can be considered to have higher skills than someone who is prone to be ill.
If you don’t believe that your skills are infinite, you can say that ‘skills improve.’ For example, if you exercise every morning and evening, your body will gradually become healthier and stronger. “
→ This health is also a strength. Everyone has strengths. In everything, we can find both positive and negative sides, so what may seem like a weakness at first glance can be an advantage if you turn it around.
One of our staff members is quiet and not good at communicating with others. Although she is not good at talking, she is good at writing. At our company, we study philosophy every day and ask her to write a review of what she has learned from it. She is very good at writing, so I keep encouraging her to express her views in writing. She thinks that she is good at repeating simple tasks, but that is not all her capabilities. I believe that imagination and writing skills allow her to acquire many new skills and capabilities, to enrich her professional career.
2. Continuing daily efforts
“ However, we should not simply conclude that this is too difficult or we never can do that. I want you to think that you can do it somehow, even if it initially is forced. If you do that, you will start making modest efforts and say, ‘Let’s try anyway.’
You may think it’s like a caterpillar crawling up a tree branch, but progress starts from such things. That is what I want to say about this motto: pursuing the infinite potential of human beings. “
→ Since that staff joined us, we have been studying business philosophy every day. We read books on the Kyocera Philosophy and watch videos as well as DVDs of Mr. Inamori. Even when I can’t find time because of travel, I always make time, even if it’s just for five minutes, to study philosophy with our staff.
We have been repeating this daily learning for almost two years. At first, she said that the contents were too difficult for her, but now she can read the contents smoothly. She has been enjoying learning something new to her. She is also very positive about her work. I am glad that we continued to study philosophy to fulfill our lives.
3. Sharing the fulfillment in achieving goals
“ But even so (when we confront challenges), I still tell everyone, ‘Believe that you have infinite abilities.’ If you find it to be impossible to achieve, but at the next moment, you suddenly change your mindset and start believing that you have infinite abilities because I (your boss) said so.
People would describe you as an easily controlled person, they see you as a clumsy and obedient person in a negative sense. But I am telling you to be that controllable person. . . . . Since it is the key to motivating your staff especially in small to middle-size businesses. Please understand that for small and medium-sized businesses, employees are the greatest treasure. “
→ During Kyocera’s growth period, a staff member said that he couldn’t continue working any more simply because the tasks are too challenging to him, and that he would quit this job when he completes the current assignment, and continued research and development with his resignation letter in his pocket.
When the research was successful and the product was delivered to the client, Mr. Inamori, who was quietly supporting that staff, cried tears of joy, saying, “You guys are brilliant, wonderful, and awesome! You did a really good job, it’s amazing!!” At this moment, that staff tore up his resignation letter and boldly took on the next job. Inamori was truly fulfilled with the staff member’s progress.
I think staff were also greatly fulfilled in achieving goals that first had looked impossible for them. I think I must demonstrate such encouragement and share the achievement with them, with such affection that Inamori showed his staff.
In summary, it is difficult for ordinary people to believe that they have infinite potential. However, by carefully looking at their strengths, continuing to daily efforts, and sharing the success, I think people can look forward and think, “I’ll keep trying, so that maybe I can do it.”
* 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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