Edition: June 26th, 2021
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Excerpts from article by Kaki Okumura, published on forge.com
In Japan, phenomenal customer service is not limited to just high-end luxury shops and hotels. If you walk into any regular store, you will likely be greeted by an employee who will politely welcome you in, bow to you, and rush to help you as soon as they realise you need assistance.
Their uniforms are crisp, clean, and appearance clearly cared for. The shelves are put together, the products aligned and organised. Floors are mopped, windows are clean, and when you exit the store, the employees will say thank you, smile, and bow to you until you are a considerable distance from the exit.
This is not to say that Japanese people always love their jobs. In any job, there are moments that are tiring, boring, and tedious. But the idea of putting your best foot forward in your work, ganbaru, is one that is widely valued, no matter your profession.
Whether you’re a CEO or convenience store worker, if you can exemplify the principles of ganbaru, your work will be respected.
When you think about what is necessary to enjoy work, it’s easy to point to the big things — money, status, the ability to gain valuable skills, and having a meaningful “why.”
These factors are important, but what do we do about the tasks we have no control over in the moment?
We can find meaning there, too. When we are positive towards our work — even boring work — people notice, and our attitude uplifts the spirit of those around us. Knowing that you’re doing work that is respected and uplifting to others can make any boring job better.
The idea of ganbaru doesn’t necessarily mean putting in hours of work, going overboard with practice, or pushing yourself to a limit that can cause burnout. Exhaustion is not admirable and should not be sought after.
Even on the most adventurous of journeys, we will have to face dull tasks along the way. Instead of shuffling through the drudgery, try embodying the spirit of ganbaru. Just because you don’t feel enthusiasm for a task at hand doesn’t mean you have no say in influencing the way you experience it!
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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Thought provoking and implementation of ganbaru would give a positive attitude towards ones job scenario.
True. There’s so much to learn from different cultures. Thanks, Mrs Kapoor!