英語難民と英語貴族
2020.3.8
恨み言をいわない、これを英語にすると？
今日は昨日の分の英語版です。
No complaints, just face with your pains of giving birth
At past several Seiwajuku national conferences, some outstanding business leaders have shared their experiences. For some episodes, we cannot listen without tears, but the story of Ishii, the president of a painting material vender for Automobile, was particularly impressive. I would like to refer the comments made by Mr. Inamori*. Then I would like to develop my discussion into the pains to give birth.
Q: What were the essence of Mr.Inamori’s speech?
A: He particularly stressed the impartial and neutral mindset of business leaders. He referred:
“Mr. Ishii’s company is not a manufacturer, but a company that sells paint products. However, not only does they sell paint materials, but in some cases they go to customers and demonstrate how to paint their products. Ishii’s company also provides know-how and services to sell paint makers’ products.
However, Ishii encounters Nissan’s revival plan. Carlos Ghosn’s demand was tough, a 25% cost reduction. Mr. Ishii worked hard to continue contracting with Nissan as a paint supplier. However, Mr. Ishii’s company was behind of the alliance made up of Nippon Oil & Fat and a German paint maker, and eventually Ishii dropped the sales from 500 million yen to the half of that volume.
Q: What happened to Ishii’s company? Did they go bankrupt?
A: No, they didn’t. Actually, all employees were crying because they have lost so much. At that time, Ishii got to know Seiwajuku, and started learning business philosophy. Ultimately, Ishii’s company had been very patient and worked hard to get back Nissan’s reliance again.
Q: Why was that possible? Did Mr. Inamori point out the keys of Ishi’s business success?
A: Yes, Mr. Inamori mentioned as follows. “What I think is beautiful is that Ishii has never complained about anyone. At the end of Nissan’s work, Ishii’s employees sincerely focused on the last coating services and the carefully painted with the last drop of paint. Then after their being cut by Nissan, Ishii and his employees worked hard and made every effort until they got the next opportunity. Many companies have lost in the competition and a few could remain trusted suppliers for Nissan. Ishii’s company got a positive result simply due to Ishii’s mindset and his philosophy.
Q: Why did Mr. Inamori encourage Ishii to be an important vender of Nissan? Surviving as a vender position looks tough, doesn’t it?
A: Yes, many venders think like that. However, Mr. Inamori’s approach was different. He said to people: “When I was young, I was a subcontractor of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd (Panasonic)., and every year, a strict price reduction had been requested. Some of the cooperating factories’ managements also complained to Matsushita. “Do Matsushita know who they are?? They are so mean, and their cost reduction looks unacceptable…. Matsushita has survived by squeezing our blood.” Listen, most of companies who were blaming of Matsushita could not survive. At that time, their request had always been very harsh but it motivated us to be an outstanding manufacture and consequently Matsushita made us competitive in a global market. The tough environment has made us very resilient. “
Q: So, what is the lesson learned from Mr. Inamori’s episode?
A: Never complain about anything. Do not make yourself a victim. Do not keep finding something that victimizes you. I think legendary Japanese business person have had such a mindset. For example, Suntory’s founder, Shinjiro Torii never hated anyone even when his beloved son died.
