Japan inspired Steve Jobs: "Simplicity is sophistication."
10 amazing Japanese ideas to improve your life:
Jobs was deeply inspired by the aesthetics of Japanese Zen.
“It takes a lot of hard work to make something simple, to truly understand the underlying challenges and come up with elegant solutions.”
I’ve met monthly for 20 years with a Zen scholar.
The teachings have brought me clarity in business and life.
Here are 10 additional Japanese ideas for thriving in uncertainty:
I loved this carousel by the inspiring Dennis Berry1?? Kaizen (改善)
?Embrace incremental progress in your role.
Why:
?Creates a culture of continuous improvement
?Builds momentum for larger changes
How:
?Implement one small improvement in your team each day.
2?? Ikigai (生き甲斐)
?Align with purpose, skill, demand, and value.
Why:
?Enhances motivation, job satisfaction and fulfillment
How:
?Identify where your strengths meet your organization's needs.
3?? Wabi-Sabi (侘寂)
?Embrace imperfections in your team and processes.
Why:
?Promotes authenticity, trust and problem-solving
How:
?Acknowledge mistakes openly and use them as learning opportunities.
4?? Shinrin-Yoku (森林浴)
?Use nature to enhance your mental clarity and decision-making.
Why:
?Reduces stress and improves focus
?Provides perspective on complex issues
How:
?Hold walking meetings or retreats in natural settings.
5?? Osoji (大掃除)
?Clear the clutter in your mind and organization.
Why:
?Improves strategic focus and team efficiency
How:
?Regularly reassess priorities and eliminate unnecessary tasks or meetings.
6?? Nemawashi (根回し)
?Lay groundwork for change through informal discussions.
Why:
?Builds trust and buy-in
?Smooths the path for formal proposals
How:
?Engage key stakeholders individually before group meetings.
7?? Kintsugi (金継ぎ)
?Transform organizational setbacks into sources of strength.
Why:
?Reframes failures as opportunities
How:
?Highlight how past challenges have improved your team or strategy.
8?? Hara Hachi Bu (腹八分目)
?Operate at 80% capacity to maintain flexibility.
Why:
?Prevents burnout, maintains agility, and allows room for innovation
How:
?Leave a buffer in schedules and resources for emerging opportunities.
9?? Zanshin (残心)
?Maintain awareness beyond task completion.
Why:
?Improves follow-through and attention to detail
?Enhances strategic foresight
How:
?After completing a project, reflect on its broader implications and next steps.
Mono no Aware (物の哀れ)
?Appreciate the transient nature of your role and achievements.
Why:
?Fosters humility and continuous learning
?Encourages legacy thinking
How:
?Regularly reassess your impact and plan for succession.
?These Japanese concepts offer practical ways to enhance your effectiveness and find balance in your role.
How do you navigate the complexities of guiding others?
? Repost to share with anyone trying to find balance in their lives.
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