The Heart of Management
(Prepared for the seminar in
By Kiyoshi Suzaki
Contents
Revisiting Management............................................................................................. 1
Having a Clear State of Mind.................................................................................... 3
Process of Insight - Practice...................................................................................... 3
Gaining Insight to the Process of
Insight.................................................................. 4
Finding our Heart....................................................................................................... 5
Benefits of Having the Clear State of
Mind............................................................. 6
So what?...................................................................................................................... 7
Use of Sensation as a Guide...................................................................................... 7
Relearning to Use our Brain - A
Continuous Process.............................................. 9
On Mastery................................................................................................................ 9
What This Means for Business............................................................................... 11
Postscript.................................................................................................................. 12
Appendix A: Comments on Having a Clear
State of Mind.................................... 12
Appendix B: Running Your Business from
the Heart............................................ 13
As I see it,
management is not "Management" when it is disconnected with what goes
on in our mind - and connected to our heart.
In other words, management without heart is like a symphony orchestra
without the conductor. In my recent
book, Results from the Heart, I discussed the theme of "Use the Brain,
listen to the Heart, and live with
First, the book foreword written by the Dalai Lama:
"As human beings,
the one factor that differentiates us from other species is our intelligence
which both expresses itself and trains itself through education. However, the development of the brain, the
intellectual side of our nature, and the development of a good heart, a warm
heart, must complement each other in a more balanced way. This is why, wherever I go, I always try to
promote human values, the good qualities of the human mind, the good qualities
of human beings. They are the source of
happiness, and happiness is ultimately what each of us wants.
I believe we have both
the ability and the means to solve our problems and improve our world. Perhaps the most important factors that
inhibit us are short-sightedness, narrow-mindedness, and selfishness. Yet, to look after yourself
is not wrong. Without a strong sense of
self we cannot develop self-confidence, determination and will power. But, we must be careful, for there is also a
narrow -minded selfishness that can lead to self destruction. To counter that we have to realize that in
reality our own interest is closely linked to the interests of others and the
benefit, happiness and interests of others are our own.
In modern times, it has
become rarer for people to come up with new and original initiatives and ideas
because the problems we face are so dauntingly complex. However, I understand that Kiyoshi Suzaki has
developed strategies to improve people's participation in business and
production from the point of view not only of the company, but also of the
individual. I agree with him that if we
all learned to use the brain, but at the same time to listen to the heart, we
could make our world a happier, more peaceful and successful place."
The Dalai Lama
My belief is that
regardless of our background, we exist to express our potential, whether it is
through religious, social, or business avenues.
Management is a means to do just this.
To help define ways to effectively channel our creative talent to meet
the customers' needs - whoever the customers are. We are destined to face turbulence in
conducting our business. Our peace,
happiness, and prosperity need to be addressed with sound principles keeping
our insight and compassion at the core.
As any living organization tries to thrive and evolve, there is a way to
reach the unknown potential within us and express it.
As we live and
manage our organization, we are to find a passage to navigate through this
ever-changing environment. Logic alone cannot
move people to act. Power alone cannot
engage them in this journey either. This
point should be obvious if we reflect on our own personal experience. The path we take may not be easy. Yet, as we clear our mind, the path, our
mission, the values we live by, and an effective use of our talent can be
found. Our primary concern then is to
realize such a principled way and to act accordingly.
Here are few more comments for “Results from the Heart”:
"Results from the Heart
introduces a new and helpful approach to improving job performance, improving
job satisfaction, and helping organizations better respond to the rapid changes
that are an inherent part of today’s business environment. Mr. Suzaki
recognizes that a motivated and engaged workforce should be part of any
strategy to obtain and maintain competitive advantage."
Carl Stern, CEO, The
"Everyone is coming to know
the “soft” (people) stuff is the “hard” stuff. Suzaki has
shifted his guns to the people side and powerfully teaches two brilliant ideas:
first, the concept of a “mini company,” and second, how to connect the mind
(logic) and the heart (meaning) in unleashing human potential."
Dr. Stephen
R. Covey, Author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective
People
"Daily, I work with the idea of
"respect for the individual." I believe this is the source of
Fujio Cho, CEO, Toyota Motor Corporation
Our experiences
should tell us that with a clear state of mind, we can identify the right path
and move forward much more effectively.
Ultimately, mastery of any subject should be tied with mastering our
mind. If that is the case, what is the
way? Of course, if we are occupied by
the wrong ideas or emotion of the moment, the chances of finding the right
passage will be small. Clearly, to
master anything or to find ways to utilize our talent fully, we need to know
who we are, and what we can or cannot do.
Having a clear mind helps. It
provides a condition for our heart to speak to us. In business, this translates to coming up
with the mission, aligning it with objectives, and executing business plans -
connected to our heart, all in a harmonious manner. Any disturbance should be brought to our
attention to take action.
Whether running a
company, mini-company, or our personal life, we cannot manage a situation
effectively if our mind is disturbed. On
the other hand, we can avoid misjudging what is important from what is
unimportant with a clear mind. In order
to sort things out, we may diligently ask, "Why," "So
what?" or "What is the point?" As we repeat such questioning, we
patiently listen to the heart with an open mind as if to gain insight. Such a questioning process should help to
clarify issues necessary to reach the core and find the passage to take. In short, it is to use the brain but listen
to the heart and live with the mission.
With a clear mind,
we can observe what is going on without bias.
Having our mind detached from emotional disturbance or by not reacting
prematurely, insight can be gained over time.
This is a scientific method of problem solving, in which we look at the
situation with objective eyes. Although
it may require long years of training to master this art, by patiently
practicing the skill in various situations, we can learn this skill if we are
willing.
When we acquire the
skills necessary to gain a quiet, clear state of mind, we can also apply this
not just in our individual journey but also in managing our organization. I mentioned elsewhere that mini-company* is a
framework of how we may operate our organization in a comprehensive manner to
explore the potential we have. Knowing
who we are and how we act is crucial.
The benefits of mini-company management can be better realized by
understanding the similarity between business organizations and us as individuals. The principle is finding a connection to what
is in our heart (unconscious) individually.
At the same time, practicing the basics of mini-company should help us
to be clear in what is essential as an organization and what is not. As an individual or organization, we are to
use the resources wisely and express what we can.
* Mini-company: See detail in Results from the Heart, and The
New Shop Floor Management (The Free Press)
Since the basics of
the mini-company are already discussed elsewhere, let us probe further into the
process of insight. After all, what we
see in the external world is a reflection of what is in our mind. Thus, expressing our potential is inescapably
connected to the state of our mind. If
we are busy dealing with external matters and unfamiliar with our internal mind
behavior, certain expressions such as clear mind state or listening to the
heart may not appeal to us. However, if
we understand the process of insight, it may help to realize who we really are
and what we are meant to do.
To probe into this
subject of insight, the following discussion is taken from the Zen koan (puzzle). While
very paradoxical and Zen-like, it may point out that we are inherently creative
to overcome the delusion to be able to live fully for peace, happiness, and
prosperity. The dialogue took place
between Zen monks, Sosan and Doshin:
Doshin came and bowed to Sosan,
and said, "I ask you for your merciful teaching. Please show me how to be released."
Sosan answered, "Who has bound you?"
"No one,"
he replied.
Sosan said, "Why then do you ask to be
released?"
Doshin immediately came to a profound realization.
To get the point of
this dialogue, we need to put ourselves in Doshin's
shoes.* If I
envision Doshin's mind when Sosan
asked the last question, his mind suddenly stopped and became vacant. At that moment, he realized that there was no
binding any more.**
It was as if the heart took over his entire mind and his whole existence
was shaken to find what is really going on.
In fact, he realized that there was "the" answer always
prevailing in the natural state. After
all, it was him and his searching mind that was causing the binding. As much as this dialogue points to Doshin's direct experience, the words may not convey the
point without experience. Whereupon, if
you think this description is mere restatement of this koan,
may I ask you to assume the Doshin's position in this
dialogue and experience the process before reading ahead?
* To get the point is to experience it.
Gaining insight is a subjective matter.
Even if the readers cannot relate to the expression, I believe it is
still beneficial to continue to read thinking that there is such an
experience. Perhaps, the point may become
clear at a later time.
** It may be
compared to that quiet moment when matador faces the bull in the bullfight.
Now, if you did this
exercise and your eyes moved around as if searching for the answer in the air,
you had that same searching mind as Doshin had
"before" his realization. The
mind keeps searching for the solution, not noticing that the searching itself
is causing the bind. But, such is not
the clear state of mind. There is a
hair's breadth of difference between your eye balls moving around as if
searching for an answer in the brain and you being resolved/grounded
in your heart where the answer resides. Triggered
by Sosan’s question and out of despair, Doshin resigned to search only to find the heart, the
liberated state.
If you experienced
this state even for a fraction of a second, you had a quiet, open mind with
your eyes undisturbed but as alert as that of the innocent child. That is the state of a clear mind. With no trace of attachment, our mind is like
a mirror reflecting the objects. Although
these expressions may be foreign, such is the direct experience of the state
where our original nature (of life) is functioning. It is the moment when we are connected to our
heart – the source of compassion and wisdom.
To realize this
state, i.e., to discover our heart, revisiting this koan
every now and then may help. Also, if
you go through more koans or look up the words of masters,* we may find that they are driving us to get to this genuine state of
our being. Again, please note that it is
not so much of the words and logic (as in brain or conscious mind), but the
mind state (in relation to the heart or unconscious) that is the clue. It is the state of awareness and equanimity
that brings insight. By calmly observing
what is going on, we should experience a quiet and open state when our heart
speaks to us. There is a distinct feel
to it as if the mind and body tuned into a point of resonance. It may even be accompanied by a subtle
sensation over our body.
* For example, Listening to the Masters, p.176-181 Results from the Heart
Being human, having
the searching mind (conscious) is our unique talent, which differentiates us
from animals. So, it is OK to search for
solutions to address our concerns. We know
that by using this tool, there are many benefits to be gained. Yet, as with any tool, there is an
appropriate setting to use this tool and the setting when it is unwise to use
it. The point of discussion then is to
find ways to use it instead of getting tangled up in the process and wasting
our energy.
Since we may not
realize if we are lost unless we have a clear state of mind, and that if we
seek for this clear state of mind, we cannot find it, this creates a catch-22
situation. But, here again, we should
realize that trying to solve this situation itself is the bind created by our
mind. As the preceding koan indicates, by seeing the situation as if tools
(searching mind) cannot solve the tangled up situation of its own, the nature of
the problem is discovered. This is
finding the connection to the heart.
Also, this is the process of insight.
Realizing to practice this continuously is to find the destiny.
Unfortunately,
history is full of misery created by not using our brain wisely. Business is no exception. The analogy here is thoughts compared to the inventory. In manufacturing, we found that unnecessary
inventory covers the problem and therefore considered evil.* Similarly, if not addressed wisely,
our brain can keep producing thoughts and associated emotion for no use. Worse yet, this can generate so much misery
and an unwise use of resources. The
wrong use of our brain can result in unhappy employees, customers, managers,
and presidents as well. Hence, managers
cannot be Managers if they do not address this foundation full-heartedly. This is the reason why we should use the
brain and listen to the heart. By having a clear mind, we can take
corrective action. I believe acting on this principle is the core of all human
processes.
* For example, see The New Manufacturing Challenge (The Free Press). The analogy of use of autonomic nervous
system in operations is discussed in p.90-112.
With a clear mind we
can see things better. We can avoid
falling into a trap and can make better judgments. We can be more creative in running our
business. We should be able to find a
mission which is both meaningful and worthwhile to pursue. Also, we can choose the path wisely, using
whatever resources or talents we have.
We can be the master whatever situation we may encounter rather than becoming
a slave of the situation. Finding
meaning and purpose in our work leads to having a meaningful life. Also, by seeing things clearly, we can relate
with each other better and appreciate what we can do in creating a happy,
prosperous world. Having a clear mind is
the foundation of all of these.
As mentioned before,
the confusion or binding state is experienced when our conscious mind keeps fighting
the constraints (Beta wave mode) without avail.
On the other hand, a liberated state is where the heart brings
resolution to our problems. It is as if
nature does the work for us (Alpha wave mode).
Metaphorically speaking, we can always find resolution in the heart
while we may encounter the unresolved state in our brain. Here, synonyms of heart are nature, or absolute state of as-it-isness
whereas synonyms of brain are artificial or dualistic state of conflict often
tied to our ego.
Referring to his
experience, Einstein said, "When the solution is simple, God is
answering." Although such an
expression may still sound ambiguous, that is what it is. It is also like a child's innocent, faithful
or self-forgetting mind accepting things as they are. Or, it is like mother's love for her baby when
the child is in pain. When nothing
works, she still identifies herself with the baby's pain to offer her
love. Creativity, playfulness, and an
unconstrained state have something in common.
They are at the core of our original nature. When we find that the heart is the master, appropriate
use of our brain should be revealed.
Another way to
describe this is that finding the connection to the heart enables us to observe
the movement of our mind as if we are a third person watching it quietly and
objectively. It is like having a quiet
center (i.e., heart) observing what is going on as opposed to having our
self-identity taking the main role. It
is the awareness and equanimity which bring the liberation and joy of insight. As we acquire this skill, we become less
likely to be caught up in our own thoughts but more fully equipped to discover
the wisdom and experience the joy of LIFE.
We may feel light and buoyant to ride with the flow of what is going on.
Things may be taken care of without
constrained efforts. Then, we find that
the gap between "What should be" and "What is" does not
bother us so much. The concern of "What do we do?" or “So what?” may
be answered autonomously* as if it is an expression of nature (heart).
* As much as insight generation may be seen as self-organization of neuron
cells that comes with the clear state of mind, manager can utilize people’s
creative resources by having a condition similar to this state. Practicing mini-company and comprehensive
management practice such as glass wall management are such examples. See p. 72, Results from the Heart for glass
wall management and p.87 for Creating an Environment that Fosters Creativity.
Acquiring the skill
to observe clearly what is going on is similar to a mirror reflecting the
objects without distortion. As in
zero-base budgeting, this is seeing things as they are from the zero-base, or a
fresh viewpoint. We may lose this
grounded state if we start to identify too closely with the situation and
prematurely react with our negatively conditioned mind. When this happens, we become unaware of what
is going on in our mind. This is because
our conscious brain lacks the sensitivity or receptivity for this awareness in
itself. Yet, by patiently observing what
is going on, we can be released from the bind to regain the clear unbound
state. This, in turn, brings insight to
channel our life energy in a much more productive fashion. I believe such is the skill which helps us to
live our life fully. As if learning any
skills, we can learn this by determination and continued practice.
As managers, we may
have studied many management theories.
But, without developing this skill to connect to our heart, how can we
use them effectively and meaningfully?
Any concept has to be somehow tied with our heart if we were to be
sincere in what we do. So, for us to be
clear from our emotion, biased view and any confused state, we may practice
this skill of simply observing the movement of our mind as if from the quiet
center. When we learn this skill, our
experiences in life may seem like watching a game. Since our emotion is not caught up in it, we
can not only see various viewpoints but also address what is really important. Such is, in essence, the practice of the koan in the dynamics of our daily life. *
* Theory and practice can have a gap similar to the gap between concept and
intuition or brain and heart. They are
something we need to integrate to make sense.
In business, housekeeping and glass wall management are examples of techniques
that help exposing problems to deal with.
This is very much like developing a clear mind. By practicing them, we develop awareness of
the whole operation as if to improve the health of the entire business.
As we begin to
master this art, we should feel less victimized in any situation we fall into. Or, we may not seek for or react to a worldly
pleasure as much. We can find ways to
address the important things without dwelling on useless things. Consequently, our life's energy is better
channeled. We may appreciate the magic
of our life unfolding in front of our eyes.
Unobstructed by our ego or fixed mind, there is genuine sense of why we
are here for. Although we need to keep
at this to master this skill, whether the subject is art, business, sports, or
family, we can realize the new meaning of LIFE.
Our life after all is meant to be the expression of the heart.
Since insight is
related to intuition and intuition often accompanies a sense in our body, we
can use the bodily sensation to check if we are connected to the heart.* When we are tuned
into our senses, we can detect something is wrong physically as soon as we get
into the problem state of mind. It may
be a small pain or disturbance in the stomach, forehead, or chest. Or, it could
be an ambiguous uneasiness or dull pain in certain parts of the body. There may be a subtle change in breathing as
well. On the other hand, when we feel happy or confident, we feel different
sense such as tingling sensation in our body or even goose bumps. Some says it is like touching a live
wire. In such a state, our mind is clear
while our body experiences the vibration of life energy as if we are carrying
no burden.
* Please note that
this ties to the point of developing the nerves of organization (For example,
p. 90 The New Manufacturing Challenge), and having shop floor as a key to the
integrated business practice (The New Shop Floor Management).
When we hone this sense,
we can detect subtle changes in our condition more intuitively and avoid
problems earlier. We may develop a
genuine smile and a more relaxed, composed posture. There may be a sense of oneness in us and with others. We may feel closer to nature. Or, we may start to appreciate small
incidents that we previously would have ignored. Perhaps, we can relate by silently
communicating at a deeper level with each other. It may be like some unknown barrier is taken
away. In a business setting, examples
may include: catching the subtle message of customers or employees, detecting
abnormal change of numbers in the balance sheet, or noticing an unfamiliar machine
noise as a warning. We may feel the pain
in our heart if we see an employee doing a monotonous task while we may
identify with the success of others.
Perhaps, managers may sense something in the air to know if their
mini-company is running well or not.
While the sensation
is where our living existence is felt and intelligence directly collected, our
mind is more like a computer. It
processes (manipulates) the information gathered with words, logic, images and
associated emotion to make use of. Then,
there is a delicate relationship between mind and body. As we pay careful attention to our bodily
sensation, whether it is breathing, heartbeat, or else, we can get acquainted
with this relationship. To illustrate,
let us use an example of riding a bicycle.
When we ride a bike, whenever we lose our balance we correct the
position without thinking about it. At
such a moment, we do not fight against the force of gravity. We simply sense how much off balance we are,
use the gravitational force to our advantage, and correct the position while
monitoring the overall balance attentively.
When we master this skill, riding a bike becomes a flowing motion. We can do this because we have trained our
body to respond to the needs - without fighting against the law of nature. So, by honing our awareness of what is going
on and using the talent we have, we can master the skill to ride a
bicycle.
Similarly, key to
gaining control over our mind is paying attention to the sensation and staying
equanimous. Simply being attentive to
the sensation and observing what is going on without reacting to it, our intrinsic
nature has a way of self-organizing our mind-body system to find the
resolution. It is like our life is meant
to explore the potential by autonomously bringing out the solution. By developing this skill with continued
practice, we can deal with problems earlier.
If we worry about this or that, we are consuming the life energy in a
wasteful manner as if brain and heart are disconnected. In such a situation, we are less likely to be
happy, relaxed, productive or creative.
Yet, by being attentive to the sensation and remaining equanimous, we
can regain the balance. It is the
condition, which enables to bring out the result.
Words are invented
to communicate, but they are limited in their ability to represent reality. As soon as we mistake words and their associated
image with reality, we create an illusion that can lead to the binding or
confusing situation. For instance, if we
use words to label someone, e.g., Mr. A as stubborn or
incompetent, this negatively affects our getting acquainted with him and his
talents. Thus, words can be very much limiting. Yet, as social beings, it is virtually
impossible to live in our society without using words.
If overpowered by
negatives, it is like reliving a nightmare over and over. Once stirred up, such
"monkey" mind not only brings chaos to us but also negatively affects
those around us. On the other hand, with
a clear mind as a base, we can identify problems earlier. The earlier we catch
the upheaval of our reactive mind, the better we can manage the situation. It is like taming the wild horse by
understanding its character. The more we
become aware of the mind-body interaction experientially, the more we will
appreciate this skill. Then, we can find
ways to use words and logic to contribute to our benefit.* By honing this skill, we can see
things better, come up with insight and make appropriate decision. Without contradicting the laws of nature, we
can deal with the rules of our society or company, but also improve them.**
* Examples of this include coming up with appropriate mission, objectives, and
business plans for mini-company operation and align our act accordingly. If people are not unclear about these, it
indicates problem that needs to be addressed. (For example, p.37-62 Results
from the Heart)
** The principle way as discussed here to
clarify one's passage may be seen as analogous to the principle of PDCA
(Plan-Do-Check-Act) for continuous improvement (For example, p.45, Results from
the Heart, p.234 The New Shop Floor Management).
I believe that
Picasso, Einstein, Mozart, or any masters in history have acquired such a skill
to listen to the heart and express the unknown talent hidden behind our
conscious. I also believe that managing
a company, or leading a happy life can be based on
this principle process as a foundation.
When we are in harmony with the laws of nature, we experience joy. When
we discover the solution to the problem at hand, we feel vibrant. We appreciate masters' work because we have
the same original nature. Although each individual's senses may vary, it
functions like a gyroscope in our body to tell if we are in harmony. Since this is in our nature, even when we are
lost in despair, we can benefit from rediscovering this faculty.
Paying attention to
the sensation can guide us out of the problem state. This is because our biological nature helps
us to address concerns similar to healing the wound by homeostasis or
bio-feedback. Insight and compassion are
other expressions describing this intrinsic nature. Then, our job is to not interrupt the nature's
work and let such potentiality expressed. In other words, we have to let go of our self or
our self-centered logic so that nature can speak to us. This means for us to be aware of what is going
on and patiently remain in that state.
In doing this, we
may sense the pulsation of the heart, or the movement of air near the nostril. Or, we may sense the heat, dull pain, or
tingling sense of our hand, feet, stomach or any part of the body. Paying attention to these senses is a window
to tap the unknown power of unconscious.
Similarly, observing our mind movement without reacting to it (as if
from the quiet center) can help us come out of delusion. Then, by continuing to eliminate the delusions,
useless logic, wasteful image, etc., we arrive at the point where unknown
possibilities arise. It is as if the
answer is always within us. (In fact,
there is no “we” when delusion is gone as if the searching mind is overtaken by
the heart.)
On this point of
being attentive to our senses without bias, let us see what makes the master a
master. When masters do their magical
work with ease, they are utilizing their talents effectively. When a lion catches his prey, he pays full
attention to the act even if the prey is small.
Whether an artist or great leader, the skills they use also seem very
similar. They are masters because they
are quick to detect what is important while tapping their talent in the unconscious. The more versatile and sensitive their
awareness, the more subtle message can be detected to trigger appropriate move. It is as if their whole body is turned into
ears and eyes to process the information and respond to it.
Although we may not think
us as masters, we may be considered as masters whenever we are one with the mission
or fully involved in the task at hand.
As much as we have mastered the skills of eating, walking or
distinguishing sounds from that of bird to dog, we are born with potential to
obtain such a skill. Practicing it in
managing our business or life is no exception.
That is: it becomes our second nature if we develop the skill. In that moment when we are one with the
mission, that is when the master's work emerges. In that moment, it is as if all the cells of
the body are activated to participate.* Clarity of the mind has such a
dimension to it.
* This is the
analogy of operating the mini-company throughout the company. When interpenetration among mini-company is
well understood and realized tied to their customer-supplier relationship, that
is the condition where what I call “organizational enlightenment” happens.
(p.89, Results from the Heart)
This is the reason
why master’s act appears to be “alive.” It is pleasant to witness, yet hard to
copy if we try. It is not calculated by
the conscious mind but is an effortless and intuitive act. What we can learn from this is to internalize
the master's way, the principle way. By
patiently practicing, we can let nature express its magic to utilize what is
hidden in us. Managers can practice this
idea to utilize the creative resources hidden in the people and connecting them
with what is needed by the customer and the society at large. Although the specific scope of work is
different for each individual, every one of us can do this as the president of
his or her own mini-company. The
foundation is having a clear state of mind.
(Please see Appendix A on Comments on Having a Clear Mind)
Use the brain,
listen to the heart, and live with the mission.
What comes from the heart is wisdom and compassion. Compassion is like the force of gravity. It may be seen as nature's way to resolve the
(nature's) needs. Wisdom, or insight, is like a strike of a lightening. It is a unique connection found to create
something new, perhaps energy transformed to a new form as in evolution. So far as our existence
represent creation, each of us can intuitively identify with such a
process. Organizationally, we can
process with the framework that is similar to what happens in our mind-body
system. This is the idea of mini-company
that helps the process of clarification and connection of various ideas and
resources.
Reflecting on what
we discussed above, to clarify issues we should: Ask "So what?"
individually and collectively as may be practiced in the banker's meeting
format.* The
process is similar to finding the connection between the brain and the
heart. If we just use the brain, i.e.,
tool, without knowing why, it is like we are robots. Rather, each unit of organization has the
unknown potential just as each cell of our brain/body has the ability to bring
out the potential if we let them (by arriving at a certain state).
* Bankers’ meeting is a setting to evaluate the progress of the mini-company with
the boss, i.e., bankers, for advice and resource allocation. P.53-55 Results
from the Heart
From the
organization's point of view, we need to clarify the framework to process what
we can to accomplish the mission. This
is mini-company management. It can lead
to organizational enlightenment where the potential of each individual is fully
explored. In such a state, there is
interconnectedness among all involved, where self-organization brings out the
potential as the customers' needs are understood and addressed by each
mini-company.
As we practice the
idea of mini-company and the principle we discussed herewith, we may find that
there are infinite ways to explore. We
start to become more open and flexible.
We may understand the other person's viewpoint better without being
caught up in our own thinking. As we
learn this process and having gained insights to overcome difficulties, we may
feel genuine, happy and secure – perhaps even in facing insurmountable
difficulties. We may find compassion for our enemies, wishing to take the path
that may lead to peace, happiness and prosperity for all.
Although we may be
bogged down here and there in our jorney, we can still
find the mission to work on as our heart may tell us. Many masters in the history might have gone
through this passage. In our case as
well, when we find the mission, there is something we feel right in running our
mini-company as we also apply the principle way in living our life. Picasso said, "Everyone wants to understand
art. Why not try to understand the songs
of a bird?" Now, if I may rephrase
this to offer an idea for managers, "Everyone wants to understand
management. Why not try to understand
who we are and what we can do?" Then,
we may realize that the results can come straight from our heart.*
* Please also see Appendix B for Running Your Business from the Heart
Over the past 15
years or so, I have visited
While I may have
restated what I believed to be the key point from various angles, hopefully,
this also reflected the process that we need to go through. To find the heart and express what we can
with sincerity, this process of clarification has to be employed
continuously. Upon ending this note, I
pondered again if my efforts were connected to compassion and the heart. Words are merely forms by themselves. As difficult as the task was for me, I would
like to leave the readers with the quote I like:
"It is only
with the heart that one see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the
eye."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
To recapture the
benefits of having a clear state of mind, here are additional comments for
reflection:
"Why is it that
we are never at peace? Isn't it because
we never allow ourselves to be so? We
enjoy battling with our emotions and ourselves that the battle becomes our second
nature. Then, we complain we do not have
peace of mind. So, this is another
battle. …How can we find something elsewhere, when it is
already in ourselves?"
"As you keep
returning to the zero-base mind and spend more and more time there, eventually
that becomes your spiritual home. At this point, it feels like a true
turn-around has occurred, one with entirely different quality of being."
"To achieve
freedom requires only two things: a quiet mind and an open heart."
"What may
follow with such process may be a genuine living sense that may inspire
others. It brings out the potential of
what we have in us and in any organization."
"Then,
in no time at all, their quality of being will be improved. Like a suffering
baby who is kicking, is crying, is vibrating. You don’t say, “Now, stop, don’t
cry, don’t be agitated!” You don’t do anything; you
don’t intervene. You don’t force it to be the way you want. Just pick up the
baby and embrace it with all your being. When you have the energy of
tenderness, of love and of care, that energy will naturally penetrate into the
baby and there will be a transformation."
"We
have to trust our spirit in the way we trust our body. The nature will cure all.”
"If
we are unhappy, is it because we cannot find happiness or because we seek for
happiness?"
”Our
mind also has the capacity of self healing just as our body."
"You
only need to learn how to express your love."
Here is the list of
questions to check if we have the heart in the right place in managing
business.
1)
Is a
business success possible without the success as a human?
2)
Are we
the slaves of business?
3)
What is
the meaning of happiness and prosperity linked to business success?
4)
Is the
aim of business aligned with the growth as individuals?
5)
In
setting up your mini-company's mission, are there enough considerations to tie
it with the mission of individuals?
6)
Do you
practice the idea of "Use the brain, listen to the heart, and live with
mission"?
7)
Does
mini-company provide a setting to grow as individuals?
8)
Are
there effective means of communication such as bankers' meeting, and events to
share progress?
9)
Do you
have a habit of clarifying your mind every now and then while at work?
10)
Are you
consciously working on the problem tied with ego, greed, or delusion?
11)
Are you
skillful in creating a time to listen to your heart?
12)
Do you
have a sense of self-mastery, as the president of mini-company?
13)
Do you
practice the Policy Management with the heart at the center?
14)
Is your
workplace a lively place for people to contribute their talent?
15)
Do you
have the mission, objectives, and business plans aligned with the resources of
people and try to match them harmoniously?
* Although we may look for solution in concept, it will never become something
that is uniquely alive unless our heart is not in it. This is the point of theory and
practice. Also, describing and doing are
two different things. As much as we may
find the communication between the brain and the heart, we may go back and
forth to keep clarifying our understanding while we practice this in our
life. As environment and information we
receive constantly change, the process of us to live fully is to be
continued. I wish the best on your
journey!
FYI, My home page is: http://www.oocities.org/suzakico/