2013:Understanding Work Productivity & Cultural Dynamics: My Journey from Japan to India and Malaysia

 In this blog, I aim to shed light on the intricate dynamics of work productivity, cultural understanding, and the surprising statistics surrounding Japanese work ethic.

There's been much debate about Japan's productivity rate. To gain a broader understanding, I turned to Chat GPT, which identified the following 12 reasons often cited for why Japan's working productivity rate is among the lowest in industrialized countries:

1. Long Working Hours
2. Seniority-Based Promotion
3. Lack of Automation
4. Risk-Aversion
5. Communication Style
6. Consensus Decision-Making
7. Limited Workforce Diversity
8. Rigid Labor Laws
9. Overemphasis on Service
10. Aging Population
11. Low Female Workforce Participation
12. Economic Stagnation

Keeping these points in mind, let me share my episode that provides a perspective on these factors.

2013, India: My company, Toyo Eng Corp, was awarded a petrochemical project. To enhance cost competitiveness, engineering and procurement work was conducted in our Indian subsidiary. This concept, using the Indian team as a cost center, had been in place since 2000. Despite being a decade-old approach, the productivity and experience of our Indian team still seemed to lag. This prompted our headquarters to dispatch Japanese engineers to India to ensure quality.

Surprisingly, these Japanese engineers, including myself, worked longer hours than their Indian counterparts. On weekends, particularly Saturdays, only Japanese team members were present in the office, a move aimed at emphasizing our commitment and urging the Indian team to feel the same. Personally, I limited my weekend work to only when it was absolutely necessary.

Another observation was the approach to documentation. With a daily influx of 150-300 emails and documents, the reliance on manual handling was evident, given that AI solutions weren't yet mainstream in 2013. Japanese staff took the lead on this, possibly because of the presence of Japanese-language transmittals. However, I always felt that local staff, when guided properly, could handle such tasks more efficiently.

Fast forward to 2015, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: I took on the role of an engineering manager for a large project spanning multiple design centers in Asia. The usual practice of having a couple of Japanese representatives in each affiliate remained unchanged. In this role, I embraced a different approach, one of minimal intervention and respect for local control. This meant a heavy reliance on local teams and their capabilities. While challenges, particularly quality issues, emerged, I stood by my team and provided assistance where needed. This approach, some might view as abandonment, was my way of respecting agreements and trusting local capabilities.

Of course! I'll integrate a statement regarding the connection between Japanese work habits and the perception of lower work productivity rates into the "Reflecting on these experiences" paragraph.

Reflecting on these experiences, it's evident that traditional Japanese work habits, such as long working hours and a high emphasis on dedication, might be misinterpreted or not translate well in international settings. While these practices are rooted in a deep sense of commitment and responsibility, they may inadvertently contribute to the perception of lower productivity rates. When work hours extend without a proportionate increase in output, it can lead to statistical disparities in productivity measures. It's essential for us, the Japanese, to introspect our work habits and culture. There's an inherent belief that hard work will gain the respect of foreigners. This notion, grounded in traditional Japanese ethics, may not resonate with many outside Japan, including the Gen-Z within. Rather than relying solely on emotions, it's imperative to focus on empowerment, clear mission-setting, and providing autonomy.

In closing, I'd like to extend an apology to my colleagues from Toyo. While I presented a critical view of our work dynamics in India, it's essential to recognize the dedication and hard work put forth by each one of you. I'm grateful for the learning and the experiences shared with friends from Japan, India, and Malaysia.

As the world becomes more interconnected, it's these lessons, both challenging and rewarding, that pave the way for a more collaborative future.

2312:The Ripple Effect of Impulse Buying: From Real Estate to Cars

 

In my previous blog post (No. 2308), I explored how my decision to purchase land and a house had a far-reaching impact on my life choices. Today, I'd like to delve into another life-altering financial decision: an episode of impulse buying that led me to own a particular car. While these two instances—buying property and a car—may seem disparate, they both serve as fascinating examples of how seemingly trivial or spontaneous choices can drastically shape our personal and professional trajectories.

Today, I'd like to discuss how an episode of impulse buying car drastically influenced both my personal life  and professional trajectory. It may sound strange, but sometimes our deepest motivations can stem from seemingly trivial decisions. The takeaway from my story is that taking calculated risks—ones that are within your control and budget—can lead to unexpected rewards.

The Backstory: In Search of a Car

In 2012, my car was getting on in years—it was over 13 years old, and the maintenance costs were adding up. I began searching for a new car. Being a typical individual from the Gen X to Y demographic, I was inclined to own my own vehicle, especially since subscription car-sharing services were not prevalent at the time.

I evaluated several options but found nothing that genuinely sparked my interest. Eventually, I purchased a premium, middle-class sedan on a whim. The actual buying factors aren't essential to this blog's central theme; what's crucial is that the decision was purely impulsive.

Post-Purchase Reflections

After the purchase, I experienced buyer's remorse. I questioned why I had invested in such an expensive car rather than channeling the money into other, arguably more critical, investments. This decision contradicted the financial wisdom from one of my favorite books, "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki. For a moment, it felt like I had chosen the path of the "poor dad," and I deeply regretted it for the first few months.

The Unexpected Upside

However, the car exceeded my expectations in terms of driving experience, safety, and technology. I found myself loving it more than I anticipated, especially the responsive steering—a feature lauded in automotive magazines.

This newfound love for the car motivated me to make some significant life changes. I committed to working harder to afford this car, and soon after, I began contemplating a career switch to fulfill this ambition. I went on to earn an MBA, pivoted my career path multiple times, and even explored entrepreneurship.

Where I Am Now

Fast forward to today: I have repurchased the same model twice and continue to own it. My ownership of this car isn't a symbol of vanity or pride; rather, it serves as a testament to the value I place on personal transportation.

Maintaining this lifestyle has required more than just dedication to my previous job; it prompted me to seek new career opportunities, build a network, and acquire invaluable life experiences. I would likely not be the person I am today had I not made that impulsive decision to buy the car in 2012.

New Horizons: A Harley Davidson Milwaukee-Eight FATBOY

Our desires evolve, and currently, my new measure of success is owning a Harley Davidson Milwaukee-Eight FATBOY. Still captivated by tangible assets, I remain somewhere between a typical Gen X and Gen Y individual.

Conclusion

Would my life have been any less fulfilling without that car? Maybe, maybe not. One can never be sure. However, what I can say with certainty is that the decision to purchase that car stimulated my life in a direction I couldn't have anticipated. And for that, I have no regrets.

2311: Embracing an Effortless Lifestyle for Optimal Growth: A Counter-Intuitive Approach

One of my core beliefs, which I've touched upon in this blog, is the notion of living an effortless lifestyle. Far from promoting laziness, this concept is about maximizing efficiency and effectiveness, both professionally and personally.

Why Effortlessness?

I often refer to the book "Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most" by Greg McKeown for further understanding. I read it multiple times a year to recalibrate my thoughts and ensure I’m on the right path. The book perfectly encapsulates my approach to life: focus on your strengths, preferences, and areas of expertise to achieve natural, effortless excellence.

The Skeptics Among Us

Some of my highly literate friends and entrepreneurial peers have raised concerns about this mindset. They argue that focusing only on your strengths could potentially limit your growth, particularly if you're at a career crossroads or looking to discover untapped potential.

Addressing Criticisms

The skepticism usually stems from a misunderstanding of what I mean by "effortless." I don't mean to oversimplify the complexities of life but rather to emphasize the untapped benefits of making things less strenuous. If my friends understood the deep logic behind an effortless lifestyle, I believe they'd fully endorse it.

The Core Benefits

While there are many books that delve into the intricate advantages of an effortless lifestyle, let me highlight the essence of it here:

Problem-Solving: Always ask, "How could this be easier?" Whether it's a business decision or a personal dilemma, asking this question opens up new perspectives.

Two Paths: There are generally two ways to approach challenges:

1. Forcing a solution by pushing your limits.
2. Finding an easier, more effective way to achieve the same result.

The Power of Reframing

In "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman, he introduces two modes of thought: "System 1" is fast and emotional, while "System 2" is slow and logical. The idea of effortless living encourages us to pause and engage our "System 2" thinking to find better solutions.

A Practical Example

To illustrate, let's consider an example from "WHAT'S YOUR PROBLEM" by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg, which talks about a building with a slow elevator. Most people would immediately think of costly solutions like replacing the elevator or upgrading the motor. However, the real issue was the discomfort customers felt while waiting.

The effortless solution? A full-length mirror next to the elevator. It distracted people, making the wait more bearable. Complaints vanished, and the cost of this fix was minimal compared to a system overhaul.

In Conclusion

This blog combines insights from three seminal works that collectively make up the foundation of my beliefs. I will continue to provide examples of how this effortless philosophy can make a significant difference in your life.

2310: Setting SMART KPIs: The Path to Autonomous and Efficient Team Management

The concept of SMART KPIs (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bounded) is often touted as an effective way to manage teams. At first glance, the acronym's buzzword status might make one skeptical, but my experience has shown that SMART KPIs truly enhance team effectiveness, particularly when goals are Measurable.

The Challenge of Making Qualitative Goals Quantitative

When initially setting targets, it's easy to begin with qualitative goals, which often arise from our observations of ongoing issues or gaps between ideal and actual performance. The challenge arises when trying to convert these qualitative objectives into quantifiable, or Measurable, ones. This conversion is crucial because it forces us to identify relevant outputs that directly address the underlying issue.

Successfully translating qualitative issues into quantitative actions doesn't just make for more effective management; it can also save time and reduce effort, empowering teams to work autonomously.

The Implementation Journey

This fiscal year, my assistant managers and I labored to establish clear, measurable KPIs that align with both departmental and personal objectives. Reaching a consensus on reasonable metrics was a challenging but worthwhile endeavor. In fact, the discussion process itself could be considered a key success factor in KPI setting.

The Benefits So Far

Six months after implementing our SMART KPIs, I've observed that my team is effectively monitoring their work status. They understand whether they are progressing well or falling behind. I'm optimistic that we are on track to achieve our goals—or come close to it. The beauty of measurable (quantitative) targets lies precisely in this ability to offer a clear gauge of performance, leaving little room for doubt or debate.

Unexpected Positive Outcomes

Contrary to the belief that measurable KPIs create a strict and oppressive management style, I've found they generate a host of positive side effects. Team members are empowered to find the fastest and easiest methods to achieve their KPIs within their scope of responsibility and decision-making authority. This was an unexpected but welcome outcome.

Empowerment: The Unexpected Bonus

Perhaps the most surprising benefit we've experienced since implementing SMART KPIs is the palpable increase in team empowerment. Clear, measurable objectives have paved the way for team members to take greater ownership of their tasks. This empowerment has led to a more engaged and proactive workforce, creating a virtuous cycle of effectiveness and autonomy.

Armed with SMART KPIs, team members no longer wait for instructions; they have the clarity and confidence to take the initiative. This heightened sense of empowerment has not only boosted productivity but also enhanced job satisfaction, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.

A New Perspective on Measurable KPIs

I'll be honest: I initially underestimated the power of SMART, Measurable KPIs. But now, I fully endorse this approach as it aligns with my goal of fostering an efficient and autonomous work environment.

In Conclusion

As I mentioned in my previous blog (Post #2304), clear responsibilities contribute significantly to enhancing team autonomy. The implementation of SMART, Measurable KPIs is another powerful tool in the toolkit for effective team management.