The Simpler the Task, the More Carefully It Should Be Done—Lessons from the President's Wife

I have written about the president and his wife, my great benefactors, several times before.

The president's wife worked alongside us in the general affairs department at the head office, handling a wide range of tasks.

It was clear to see that the president cherished his wife very much.

Even so, she never acted superior and always treated us as equals.

To me, she was not so much an older superior as she was a beautiful, kind, and reliable presence, almost like a friend.

At that company, we valued seasonal decorations and events whenever customers visited.

We usually served coffee or soft drinks, but for the New Year, we decided to serve matcha and Japanese sweets.

We had prepared bamboo whisks, but when we were in trouble because we didn't have enough,

the president's wife actually brought a whisk from her own home to handle the situation.

She seemed playful, yet she was very serious. Seeing that from my perspective as a younger colleague, I found it somewhat endearing.

Also, at Christmas, we prepared small gifts for children.

We would pack mini Santas and sweets into clear bags and tie them with red ribbons.

It was all done by hand, one by one—a steady, painstaking task.

Even though she was busy, the president's wife joined in and helped us with that work.

At that time, during a casual conversation, she said something I still cannot forget.

"[Name]-san, you know, the simpler the task, the more carefully and wholeheartedly I do it."

That remark made me stop and think.

If you neglect the trivial things, you cannot possibly accomplish great work.

Can someone who cannot cherish their family protect their company?

I felt that her words applied to those things as well.

Since then, I have become conscious of doing even simple tasks and easy jobs carefully and with heart.

I don't know yet if I am succeeding, but those words still remain with me even now.

She was a wonderful woman who taught me through her own example.

👇Click here for the story of the couple who were my great benefactors