Business is a rigorous endeavor where compromise is not permitted #224

When running an organization, I sometimes find myself thinking.

“Is kindness necessary in business?”

Work is a world where results are demanded.
Efficiency and rationality are prioritized, and sometimes tough decisions are necessary.

Because of this, there is a school of thought that says “kindness” is unnecessary in business.
In fact, some even say that it is rigor that makes an organization strong.

However, it is people who actually drive an organization.
As long as people are involved with one another, I do not believe an organization without kindness or consideration can succeed for long.

That is why I believe kindness is necessary in business as well.

■ What is kindness in an organization?

So, what is kindness in an organization?

It is nothing special.

・Listening properly to what others have to say
・Trying to understand differences in positions
・Discussing things constructively rather than emotionally

This kind of attitude builds trust within an organization.

In an organization with trust, people can engage in dialogue even when there are differences of opinion.
Even if problems arise, they can be shared without being hidden.

As a result, the organization becomes stronger.

In other words, I believe kindness is not just an emotion, but
the foundation that supports organizational trust.

■ Humility is the power behind kindness

When talking about kindness, it is often confused withthe concept of “humility”.

As the saying goes, “The boughs that bear most hang lowest,”
it is necessary for an organization that those who are truly valuable respect those around them and act with humility.

Humility is not just about going along with others.
It is also the ability to objectively evaluate one's own position and capabilities, and to try to understand the positions and ways of thinking of others.

This is an important foundation for ensuring that kindness within a company does not become “compromise.”
Because one is humble, one can point out necessary improvements and uphold the organization's standards.

■ However, kindness sometimes becomes compromise

However, there is something we must be careful about here.

If kindness takes a wrong turn, it can turn into compromise.

For example,

・Not pointing out problems
・Not asking for improvements
・Being ambiguous in decision-making

These responses might look kind to the other person at first glance.
But in reality, they lower the organization's standards.

As a result,

・The quality of work drops
・Responsibility becomes ambiguous
・The organization loses its sense of tension

The organization gradually becomes weaker.

That is not kindness.
It is a compromise against the organization.

■ Kindness and indulgence are different

What is truly necessary for an organization is to
distinguish between kindness and indulgence.

Kindness is about respecting the other person.
But at the same time, it is also an attitude of properly communicating what is necessary.

If there is a problem, point it out.
If improvement is needed, ask for it.
Uphold the organization's standards.
You must never compromise on that.

While doing so, respect the other person.
Isn't that what true kindness is?

On the other hand, overlooking problems to avoid conflict is not kindness, but
indulgence.

■ The role of management

Organizational culture does not form naturally.
In many cases, it is shaped by the attitude of the management.

Do you value kindness?
Or do you allow ambiguity?

That difference will manifest in the quality of the organization as time passes.

That is why management is required to have these three things:

・An attitude of respecting people
・The will to uphold organizational standards
・The responsibility to make tough decisions when necessary

I believe these three are required.

Kindness is necessary.
However, it must not turn into compromise.

Protecting an organization means
continuing to uphold organizational standards while respecting people
.