There Are No Shortcuts to Building Culture

It’s been quite a while since I last updated this blog.
With a refreshed mindset, I’ll make sure to post more regularly from now on!

At our company, we hold a monthly all-hands morning assembly.
It’s my chance to give a speech and share HR-related updates and other announcements.

This month’s assembly was held today, September 10.
To be honest, preparing a new speech every month for employees can be quite a challenge.

Our employees are of many different ages.
Naturally, their values and experiences also differ, so I put a lot of thought into the content and wording to make sure my message reaches as many people as possible.
I know I still need to keep improving… but I’ll keep trying my best.

Today, I spoke about great organizations and great teams.

A great organization refers to systems and structures.
In today’s information society, with so much knowledge available, organizational differences between companies are said to have become commoditized.

So then, what is the difference between companies that grow and those that don’t?
It is said to be the difference in the many teams within the company.

Why do we even need teams?
If each individual simply carried out the company’s mission, it might seem like teams wouldn’t be necessary.

The reason teams exist is because members complement each other’s weaknesses and create multiplied value, not just added value.

So, what kind of team can deliver the greatest performance?

First, a safe environment.
A place where each member truly feels, “I belong here,” where no one’s words are cut off, and where everyone is respected.

Second, the ability to share weaknesses.
Members communicate daily and share their vulnerabilities.
And there is a leader who genuinely understands the members.

Third, having goals.
Not necessarily lofty ambitions, but goals that everyone understands: “This is what we’re working toward.”
When the team achieves such a goal together, the next one naturally comes into view.
In other words, a team that is always growing.

When these three conditions are in place, a team naturally evolves into a better and better team every day.

There are no shortcuts to building a great team.
It comes from daily communication, gratitude, and consistent words and actions.
The small changes in each person’s awareness eventually remain in the company as culture.

This invisible, unspoken culture is what will shape the company’s future.

And of course, it is meaningless if only the president continues this effort.

Every employee needs to be mindful each day and maximize the power of the team.
The future of the company rests on each and every employee.

Personally, I am not fond of management that places too much emphasis on sales and profit.
Sales and profit are results—they are not the goals themselves.

It may sound easy to say, but I sincerely want the Fujiwaraya Group to be a warm, people-centered company.

Through our work, I hope employees feel genuine happiness, which will spread to our customers.
And if that leads to improving society, I would be truly delighted.

Starting today, I will take the lead myself and change my own daily awareness.

Thank you, as always.