The Japanese corporations have an inherent advantage over their American counterparts, because their people embrace the notion of employment for life. This insight came from Mr. Derek Young, President of Fidelity Investments in Tokyo.
Their first employee still works at the company at the ripe young age of eighty three after a sixty three year career. To boot, they work long hours with a focus on loyalty.
Such a refreshing change from our transitional, jump ship quickly orientation. However, loyalty is a two way street, and American companies are more driven by the bottom line than the livelihood of the very folks who put food on their table.
What can we learn from the Japanese culture that make us better in the workplace? Here is a short list for a good start:
- A unity of vision
- A culture of mutual loyalty
- A sense of deep tradition
- A polite and respectful disposition
Our only shot at getting this done is to focus less on dollars and more on the lives of our team. We must cherish and reward loyalty.
About Hemant Rustogi