You Become Happy Because You Smile

Hello, I am Mitsunori Kimura, an expert in Smile Engineering. Please see this article for more on "Smile Engineering."

It is a natural way of thinking to say, "You smile because you are happy."
Of course, if something good happens, you smile, right?

However, I believe that

it is not that you smile because you are happy, but rather that you become happy because you smile.

I think this might be the correct order.
Rather than just a philosophy, this is a way of thinking that is deeply involved in management, organizational development, and DX.
In this article, I will explore this concept.

Please read until the end.

A smile is an entrance, not a result

There is a common way of thinking within companies.

When performance improves, employees will smile.
When efficiency is achieved, the workplace will become brighter.
When systems are in place, it will become easier to work.
When profits are made, we can value our people.

Of course, there is some truth to that, but
if you only think in this order, smiles will always be put on the back burner.

You end up pursuing results, efficiency, numbers, and systems first,
and only smiling once you have the leeway to do so.

However, I believe the opposite is true.

Because people can smile, good information flows.
Because people can speak cheerfully, problems are discovered quickly.
Because people can consult with peace of mind, improvements progress.
Because people can work with a positive attitude, good value is delivered to customers.

In other words, a smile is not the final reward.

It is the initial condition for improving work.

Gloomy DX rarely succeeds

Now, as a DX (Digital Transformation) expert,
I will also offer some thoughts on DX.

Suppose you introduce an excellent system to implement DX.
But suppose the atmosphere in the workplace is gloomy.

In that case, DX will not progress at all.

"Input work has increased again."
"In the end, we are just being monitored."
"I don't know who is watching."
"If I fail, I will be blamed."
"They don't understand the reality of the workplace."

When people feel this way, no matter how convenient the tool is, it will not take root.
People do not tell the truth in places where they are blamed.

You cannot put your heart into work that you do not understand, and
you cannot sustain a system that does not make you smile for long.

Therefore, what is important in DX is
not simply installing an impressive system.

It is designing a sequence where people can work cheerfully.

Create a system that makes people smile first

So, what does a system that makes people smile mean?

First, it means making things a little easier for the front lines.

Eliminate double entry.
Reduce time spent searching.
Simplify reporting.
Notify people about things they tend to forget.
Ensure people do not have to explain the same thing over and over.
Ensure you do not rely on the memory of just one person.

These small improvements are not flashy, but
they definitely change the expressions on the front lines.

"This makes things easier."
"This is a big help."
"This is easier to understand than before."
"I think I can keep doing this."

When these words are spoken, you are one step closer to DX.

Smiles improve the flow of information

In an organization where people can smile, information flows.

You can say you are in trouble when you are.
You can share mistakes without hiding them.
You can voice concerns early on.
You can say, "It would be better to change this."
You can convey, "Actually, this is how it is on the front lines."

These are extremely important elements for DX.
This is because what is always important is the real information from the front lines.

If the true feelings of the front lines do not emerge, the system will not function well.
If problems are not visible, improvements will be off the mark.
If failures are hidden, the data will lie.

The more we enter the AI era, the more important correct information becomes.
And correct information does not just appear simply by collecting it.

It only emerges when there is an atmosphere where people can speak with peace of mind.
In other words, smiles are also related to data quality.

Do not wait for happiness, practice smiling

"I will smile when the workplace gets better."
"I will be cheerful when things calm down."
"I will be positive when I get results."

I understand that feeling.

However, if you do that, your smile will always escape into the future.

That is precisely why it is important for everyone to smile first.

Even if things aren't going perfectly, greet others with a smile.
Even if a problem arises, accept it before placing blame.
Especially when you are busy, express your gratitude.
Look not only at what you haven't achieved, but also at what you have.
Interact with others in a way that makes their expressions a little brighter.

This may seem simple, but it is difficult;
I believe it is best to start by practicing it yourself.

A smile is not a mood, but an attitude.
A smile is not a privilege for those who have time to spare, but a choice to improve the environment.

DX increases the reproducibility of smiles.

In the concept of 'Smile Engineering' that I am researching,
we do not leave smiles as mere emotions or atmosphere.
We think of how people can continue to work with a smile as a system.

This is where the role of DX lies.

Do not leave the moments that make you smile to chance.
Do not rely solely on someone's attentiveness.
Do not run things solely on the efforts of a few talented individuals.
Create a state where information reaches people naturally, gratitude is conveyed, problems are visible, and people can help each other.

This is DX that increases the reproducibility of smiles.

People do not just smile because they have become happy.

Because you greet others with a smile, relationships improve.
Because you can consult with others in a positive way, problems are solved while they are still small.
Because gratitude is visible, you can feel meaning in your work.

As a result, happiness grows.

Summary

The purpose of DX is not just efficiency.

Efficiency is important.
Productivity is also important.
Data utilization and AI utilization are also important.

However, if there are no human smiles beyond that,
I do not believe it can be called true DX.
Transformation that makes employees and customers smile is what is important.

That is why we use digital technology.

The first step toward building a society where everyone can continue to smile
is not in the distant future,
but begins with adding one more smile to today's workplace.

Thank you very much for reading until the end.

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