Hints for inventions and improvements – Philosophy “Listen to what the product tells you”

This time, Inamori* spoke about the above motto to Seiwajuku workshop members. What Inamori said is quoted with “”.

“When a problem arises or when you get stuck in your work, that is the moment when you should sincerely and humbly observe the products, process, or phenomenon. For example, at a manufacturing process, despite all efforts, in case the yield rate does not improve as expected, and you get stuck with such a low yield, you should investigate the entire process in every detail, from products and machines to raw materials, fixing equipment and tools, while analyzing them with open minds. If there is a defective product or a poorly maintained machine, you should be able to listen to what they are telling you. The product itself tells us the hints of how to find the solution. It is important to humbly observe products as they are, without preconceptions or prejudices.”

Inamori also mentioned the following.

“Whenever I went to the production site, I used to spend a lot of time staring at the product with my own magnifying glass. In case I couldn’t see clearly with the glass, I used a microscope to observe it for an hour. When I found a defect in a product, I asked him (the product), `Oh, poor boy, please tell me where and how you got injured?’ Then I started to trace the production process to detect where the deficit occurred. Yield improvement begins with observing the product carefully.”

The observation that Mr. Inamori is talking about seems difficult to conduct for me as an ordinary person. However, to improve our observation skills, I would like to keep in mind the following tips.

Let me explain one by one.

1 Observe with an open mind.

Mr. Inamori said as follows.

“An honest mind implies a humble attitude that recognizes we are not perfect and should make efforts to improve our personality. That is the essential key to success.”

When we look at phenomena, we unconsciously look at them through our own preconceptions. With such preconceptions, our eyes are cloudy and we cannot observe things properly. The Japanese scientist, Kunihiko Takeda said, ” Each one of us can not represent society.” (Do not assume that you are representing the world where you live) He also says that it is important to look at the facts and phenomena without your own opinions or judgments, and to look at things with the attitude that you might be wrong.

I found myself stuck in the above mentioned situation. When something goes wrong at work, I spontaneously look at others or environments, without reflecting myself. I should have thought I was the one causing the problem. I think it is important to always keep a humble attitude and keep asking myself what is wrong with me.

2 Love products and services that we produce.

Mr. Inamori told us about an experiment when he observed a straight ceramic board warping up in a furnace during the firing process.

“The temperature inside the furnace is over 1,000 degrees, so if you put your hand in it, it will melt in an instant. Nevertheless, I was about to put my hands in the furnace to hold that ceramic board so it wouldn’t wrap up. What I am telling you guys is that you should have such a strong passion towards the products. Without such a passion, you never listen to the voice that the product speaks to you. For example, you may want to hug and sleep with your product. Unless you have such a strong passion and affection towards the product, you would never be able to make good products, which impress your potential customers.”

We also do real estate business. I have investigated thousands of properties so far, but sometimes I have felt as if the property was crying. Probably every time when I have visited a property, I should have heard such messages released from each property. However, due to the lack of energy and consciousness, I was not able to hear those voices released from assets. I want to sharpen my sensibilities so that I could hear their voices just by stepping into a certain area or property.

I think it is important to pay attention not only to creatures, but also to so-called materials or objects. We should not separate ourselves from others. Mr. Inamori says that the nature of affection that Buddha told us can be found in all things including objects and materials. It is important to regard ourselves and the things around us as existence full of those affections and wisdom as Buddha mentioned. I don’t think I am fully aware of it. I believe by observing things and phenomena with open minds, we would gradually be able to learn how to deal with others with love and affection.

3 Inject our energies and souls.

Mr. Inamori talked about a researcher who happened to produce a good product in an experiment.

“Even if a good product is produced, it is meaningless as a manufacturer if the same product cannot be reproduced. Therefore, I asked that researcher, ‘For example, what was your state of mind when you left home on the morning of day when you made that good one? If you came out arguing with your wife at home, come out arguing again. Put yourself in the same state of mind as you were on the day you succeeded. Please tune your mental state the same as that time when you produce it. Unless you make both physical and mental conditions the same as they were when you got success, you may not be able to repeat that success. ’ ”

I think it is very important to pay attention to every moment of everyday life, to release and circulate our attention and care to interact with the people around us.

Products and services are not living things. However, if you sincerely care about it, you can communicate with them as if they were living creatures. I feel that Mr. Inamori said that if you keep in mind to engage your assignment in this way, you will be able to achieve inventions and discoveries.

This time, we learned how important it is to listen to the voice of the product.

This is what I learned, and I appreciate this opportunity for learning.

Further queries or doubts, please email to ytomizuka@abrilsjp.com

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