(HF from Ooita Prefecture/30/Male/Organization staff)
I’m an impatient person. This trait is especially evident in my work as the secretary-general of the used car dealers’ association. I get irritated waiting for my subordinates to finish speaking. I get frustrated, thinking, “If it were me, I’d do it this way.” Yet, at the same time, I worry and feel anxious, wondering, “Have I conveyed my intentions clearly…?” I was caught in a cycle of frustration and ineffective effort, spinning the wheels all alone.
The pleasant feeling of our strengths complementing each other
The turning point came when I participated in a summer workshop for the youth group at church. A comfortable atmosphere permeated the venue. But I realized that this wasn’t just a coincidence; it was created by the conscious efforts of each individual.
In the discussion, there were people who actively participated, those who made sure everyone had a chance to speak, and those who listened attentively to others. Some took on the role of facilitator, but they never imposed their own opinions, instead respecting everyone’s ideas. Seeing this, Kami’s teaching of “coming together, complementing, and supporting each other’s strengths” resonated deeply with me.
Not out of self-interest, but with a kokoro of hōshi
“Why doesn’t my workplace have this kind of atmosphere?” Looking back, I realized it was because I was strongly imposing my own expectations on others, demanding similar results. Feeling overwhelmed and stressed, I desperately tried to make things work, constantly saying things like, “Do this,” “Do that,” and “This would be better.” I was giving detailed instructions even for things that should have been obvious without being told. I deeply regretted how self-centered I had been. I realized that to intertwine our destinies, complement each other, and support each other, I had to change this attitude. First, I decided to listen carefully to others, nodding along as they spoke. If someone seemed to be struggling, I would approach them with a willingness to help and offer my support without hesitation. I immediately started putting this into practice at work.
After taking a moment to pause and listen…
Whenever I catch myself giving instructions unnecessarily, I make a conscious effort to remind myself to “respect the other person more and trust them to handle things.” This allows me to pause, listen without interrupting, and regain a collaborative approach to problem-solving. As a result, my colleagues and subordinates have started sharing more of their thoughts and ideas with me. “So, that’s what he/she was thinking,” and “That’s another way of looking at it,” – I was thrilled to make these new discoveries. Many suggestions came up that made me think, “That approach might actually work,” and my perspective shifted, making me realize, “My way of thinking isn’t necessarily the only right one.” I reflected on how my excessive involvement had been suppressing everyone’s initiative.
Interactions that bring out the best in the other person
Gradually, even before I give instructions, they’ve started to proactively look into the reasons why transactions are decreasing or purchase necessary supplies that are running low, showing initiative and attentiveness. Previously, I sometimes worried that they might feel like they were being forced to do things against their will. However, now I see everyone happily sharing their opinions, and I feel that each person is stepping forward and contributing with their unique strengths. The comfortable atmosphere I experienced during the training is now starting to permeate the workplace.
If I hadn’t known Kami‘s teachings, I might have been anxious about achieving results on my own and would have been overwhelmed by the pressure. Going forward, I will continue to maintain a sense of calm and foster relationships that bring out the best in my colleagues, so that everyone can thrive and contribute effectively.
Confirming the Workings of Happiness through Shinji
Shinji
Learn the teachings, and the more you deeply understand the principles, human beings want to be a person who gives back the strength of their unmei to the world (society).
The more a person strives, the kokoro gets honed, a kokoro to gently accept and envelope all people and all things will start to bloom.
The nature of work (true form) exists in meetings that brings each other’s unmei.
The Shinji revealed by Kami are teachings that explain how to live a life of happiness. Because these are universal and unchanging truths that apply to all people, living according to these teachings will inevitably lead to a positive transformation in one’s life.