#11 The Day I Was Trusted
Since I started studying psychology, my world has continued to expand.
I traveled to Tokyo almost every week.
I kept on learning.
I also obtained a
psychological counselor certification.
And little by little, I began to build connections with clients.
But to be honest, I still lacked confidence back then.
I was learning.
I was gaining experience. But...
I didn't know if I was truly a person who could provide value.
That was when I met
a certain female business owner.
She asked me for advice on customer service training.
I was very happy.
But at the same time, I was very scared.
Because I was
still nobody.
I had nothing I could call a track record.
I was not a well-known instructor.
I had field experience.
But that was all.
So I told her honestly.
“There are companies that have been doing this work longer than I have and have a proven track record. They are companies that have helped me as well. May I introduce you to them instead?”
I truly meant that.
However, the words that came back
far exceeded my expectations.
“I don't need something that is already finished. Let's create it together with us.”
I was speechless.
I was truly surprised.
No track record.
No company brand name.
I couldn't even call myself anyone yet.
To someone like me,
she was willing to entrust the customer service training for her precious company.
Even looking back now,
I think, what an incredible thing that was.
Of course, there was pressure.
Could I really do it?
Could I live up to the expectations?
What if I failed?
I was trembling with anxiety.
Even so, I wanted to respond to her feelings!
So I took on the challenge.
And now I think,
the reason I am who I am today
is undoubtedly because of that encounter back then.
People grow when they are trusted.
I have experienced that many times.
When I first started working at 16.
When I became a leader.
And at this time as well.
I was once again
trusted by someone.
More than a decade has passed since then.
During that time,
there was the 3.11 Great East Japan Earthquake.
There was also COVID.
Society has changed significantly.
Many things have happened.
Even so, to this day,
our relationship continues.
We are walking together.
I am truly grateful for that.
As we walk together,
I have inherited their vision,
and there is something I have continued to convey.
That is,
to create a place with hospitality.
For customers.
For the colleagues we work with.
For the workplace itself.
For everyone involved.
To treat everyone with a heart of hospitality.
And one more thing.
To prosper together
with everyone involved.
It is not just about the company doing well.
The people who work there.
The customers.
The business partners.
The local community.
Everyone prospers.
I want to aim for that kind of existence together.
That is my wish.
Looking back,
what I have always wanted to do
might be the same thing.
For people to feel joy in working.
For people to take pride in their work.
For people to realize their potential.
And,
to create a place where people can feel,
“It's okay to be here.”
Now I understand.
This, too,
was on the path leading to
“Making work shine.”