Prioritize Ethics in Leadership
LeadershipTrue leadership requires high ethical values and a commitment to serving the greater good of humanity rather than just personal gain.
Hall of Masters
Kazuo Inamori
이나모리 가즈오
Founders and company builders1932-2022
Founder of Kyocera and KDDI; led the turnaround of Japan Airlines; amoeba management
314 records in all
- Principles 102
- Episodes 71
- Quotes 141
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Principles
15 basic records of 102
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Document Your Struggles Early
BrandFounders should maintain records or letters of their early struggles and determinations, as these become the foundational narrative for the company's vision.
Lead with Altruistic Intent
IntegritySustainable business success, from startups to major turnarounds, is built on a foundation of altruism rather than selfish gain.
Commit to Lifelong Mentorship
LeadershipSuccessful leaders should dedicate themselves to nurturing the next generation of business managers through structured education.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Mission Driven Pricing
PricingA business should be founded on a clear mission to provide social value, such as reducing essential costs for the general public.
Trust Recipients With Resources
ManagementHe advocates for giving prize money or grants with minimal restrictions, trusting the recipients to use the funds as they see fit.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Question Common Industry Ratios
StrategyA leader must not accept industry-standard profit margins or expense ratios as fixed limits, as these beliefs stifle creativity and growth.
Supporting quotes
I began to see that the business could not possibly do well if my actions in management were irrational or contrary to basic morality and ethics.
Source Kazuo Inamori Reflections on "Kazuo Inamori's Practical Studies" ― Seeking the essence of things by adhering to fundamental principles ― | Lectures | Kazuo Inamori Archive | Official Site of Kazuo Inamori, 2002 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Master Accounting to Manage Reality
ManagementA leader must treat accounting figures as the direct reflection of business reality rather than just administrative paperwork.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Gratitude-Driven Networking
TeamBuild communities and events that include the families and supporters of business owners to acknowledge the collective effort behind individual success.
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Practice Transparent Management for Trust
ManagementMaintain high transparency so that during crises, employees understand the true state of the business and are willing to make sacrifices together.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Encourage Employee Ownership
HiringHe encourages employees to hold company shares to stimulate their awareness and active participation in management as owners.
Supporting quotes
Inamori refused to accept so-called common sense on blind faith. By examining the essence of the law, he was able to achieve what was previously regarded as impossible.
Source Kazuo Inamori 2F Technology and Management: Exhibition Details | 2F Technology and Management | Floor Directory | Inamori Library | Official Site of Kazuo Inamori, 1990 (opens in a new tab)
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Endure Stagnation for Long-Term Vision
ResilienceA leader should maintain commitment to a technology or product even during decades of market stagnation if they believe in its ultimate social value.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Prioritize Public Benefit Over Niche Services
StrategyWhen a business faces challenges, returning to the core mission of serving the general public can provide the momentum needed to outpace competitors.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Integrate Philosophy with History
ManagementHistorical events and business growth should be understood through the lens of the core philosophy that underpinned those actions.
Act as a Neutral Mediator
NegotiationUse your professional standing to resolve long-standing community conflicts by finding common ground for the public good.
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
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