Konosuke Matsushita
Principles of success
KONOSUKE MATSUSHITA (1894–1989)
The founder of the Matsushita Group and PHP Institute, Inc., Konosuke Matsushita was born in Wakayama Prefecture on November 27, 1894. When he was 9 years old, he went to Osaka City to study. In 1910, he joined the Osaka Electric Light Company (now Kansai Electric Power) as an installation technician in the internal wiring department.
In 1918 he founded the Matsushita Electric Company, which in 1935 was transformed into Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. with Matsushita as president. In 1961, Konosuke became chairman of the board of directors, and in 1973 he accepted the post of consultant to senior management.
In 1946, he founded the PHP Institute to research and disseminate ideas of peace and social prosperity, both spiritual and material.
Preface to the publication on English language
Words have power. They are magical.
One word can bring the untold
happiness and ignite deep passion.
One word can create pitch darkness
One word can make a huge difference in your life.
opportunities and fulfill your desires.
One word can destroy a life forever.
Indeed, words have power. They
magical.
Katsuhiko Eguchi. People first
Sometimes words carry enormous weight. They can completely change our lives, for better or worse. We do not know when - in the normal course of life or during work - words can open up some new paths or opportunities for us.
Ideas expressed in a few words can sometimes be the most effective and carry great power. This book presents 105 principles drawn from the vast mass of what Konosuke Matsushita has written, expressed in interviews, reports, or other materials throughout his 94-year life, from the day he founded a workshop with three employees that has grown to one of the largest corporations in the world. Subtle changes have been made to the original texts to make these ideas more clearly understood throughout the world, whether they apply to business, work or everyday life, as they have been proven effective in achieving success.
True success is achieved when a person can fully reveal all his talents. Such a person has achieved the fulfillment of all his desires, and he is happy. Success, however, is not something that comes by itself, without effort and without hope, and people who do not accept this world or hold negative views cannot achieve success. Human life unfolds only in accordance with what we strive for. This means that if we want to achieve something, then the first thing we need to do is to passionately want success, and then honestly and sincerely achieve this goal, believing that you will actually achieve it. With this approach, when your life slows down or is completely upside down, the book can help you discern the contours of success if you thoughtfully re-read these revelations that continue to lead us back to true values, transcending time and space. We hope that this book will lay the foundations so that the reader can begin to build his own philosophy of success.
We thank Lynne Riggs for translating this book and Mark Schreiber and Manabu Takeshi for editorial assistance.
Yasunori Ishizaki,
International department of the PHP Institute,
June 2004
Management
Business is something that some people do to make others happy.
Business is one of human aspirations. The head of the enterprise, his employees, suppliers, consumers - they are all people. They are all involved in the common pursuit of the happiness of mankind. When running a business, you need to deeply understand people and their inner nature.
A business enthusiast is an artist creating on an endlessly unfolding canvas.
Just like an artist uses paints, brushes and canvas to create a beautiful picture, a businessman uses people, goods and capital to develop new products and offer services in response to the ever-changing needs of the times. In this sense, a businessman is an artist with multifaceted talent.
The normal growth of an organization depends on the soundness of its business principles.
There are many things to remember when running a business, but the most important are: why does the company exist? And how it should be managed. Having strong principles is critical. After all, only with clear and well-founded business principles can you create a healthy enterprise.
Konosuke Matsushita
Principles of success
KONOSUKE MATSUSHITA (1894–1989)
The founder of the Matsushita Group and PHP Institute, Inc., Konosuke Matsushita was born in Wakayama Prefecture on November 27, 1894. When he was 9 years old, he went to Osaka City to study. In 1910, he joined the Osaka Electric Light Company (now Kansai Electric Power) as an installation technician in the internal wiring department.
In 1918 he founded the Matsushita Electric Company, which in 1935 was transformed into Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. with Matsushita as president. In 1961, Konosuke became chairman of the board of directors, and in 1973 he accepted the post of consultant to senior management.
In 1946, he founded the PHP Institute to research and disseminate ideas of peace and social prosperity, both spiritual and material.
Preface to the English edition
Words have power. They are magical.
One word can bring the untold
happiness and ignite deep passion.
One word can create pitch darkness
One word can make a huge difference in your life.
opportunities and fulfill your desires.
One word can destroy a life forever.
Indeed, words have power. They
magical.
Katsuhiko Eguchi. People first
Sometimes words carry enormous weight. They can completely change our lives, for better or worse. We do not know when - in the normal course of life or during work - words can open up some new paths or opportunities for us.
Ideas expressed in a few words can sometimes be the most effective and carry great power. This book presents 105 principles drawn from the vast mass of what Konosuke Matsushita has written, expressed in interviews, reports, or other materials throughout his 94-year life, from the day he founded a workshop with three employees that has grown to one of the largest corporations in the world. Subtle changes have been made to the original texts to make these ideas more clearly understood throughout the world, whether they apply to business, work or everyday life, as they have been proven effective in achieving success.
True success is achieved when a person can fully reveal all his talents. Such a person has achieved the fulfillment of all his desires, and he is happy. Success, however, is not something that comes by itself, without effort and without hope, and people who do not accept this world or hold negative views cannot achieve success. Human life unfolds only in accordance with what we strive for. This means that if we want to achieve something, then the first thing we need to do is to passionately want success, and then honestly and sincerely achieve this goal, believing that you will actually achieve it. With this approach, when your life slows down or is completely upside down, the book can help you discern the contours of success if you thoughtfully re-read these revelations that continue to lead us back to true values, transcending time and space. We hope that this book will lay the foundations so that the reader can begin to build his own philosophy of success.
We thank Lynne Riggs for translating this book and Mark Schreiber and Manabu Takeshi for editorial assistance.
Yasunori Ishizaki,
International department of the PHP Institute,
June 2004
Part 1
Management
Business is something that some people do to make others happy.
Business is one of human aspirations. The head of the enterprise, his employees, suppliers, consumers - they are all people. They are all involved in the common pursuit of the happiness of mankind. When running a business, you need to deeply understand people and their inner nature.
A business enthusiast is an artist creating on an endlessly unfolding canvas.
Just like an artist uses paints, brushes and canvas to create a beautiful picture, a businessman uses people, goods and capital to develop new products and offer services in response to the ever-changing needs of the times. In this sense, a businessman is an artist with multifaceted talent.
The normal growth of an organization depends on the soundness of its business principles.
There are many things to remember when running a business, but the most important things are why the company exists and how it should be managed. Having strong principles is critical. After all, only with clear and well-founded business principles can you create a healthy enterprise.
Every business is a social phenomenon; you should not think of it as private property.
Since any organization strives for prosperity by using public resources - land, money, equipment - and human labor and talent, it is responsible to society for what it does. In this sense, the organization is a social phenomenon. You shouldn't think that you can do whatever you want with a business just because you own it.
If you do what is reasonable and natural, like opening your umbrella when it starts to rain, your business will prosper.
When you go out in the rain or on a cloudy day, you naturally take an umbrella. Thus, you follow the laws of common sense: you know that if you do not want to get wet in the rain, you need to take an umbrella. The same can be said about business. You produce good products and make reasonable profits. In a simple situation, these are completely normal actions, you will have few mistakes, and your enterprise will be successful.
Agree that society always knows better. If you are willing to accept this, you will be successful.
There may come a time when you believe that you have great idea, and you will work hard at it, but society will not want to recognize your efforts. If you are tempted at such times by the idea that society is wrong, you will lose the opportunity for further personal growth. From time immemorial, society is certainly right, and it is important to keep this truth in your heart.
If you run your business with smart ideas and the right methods, you will achieve your goal.
When spring comes, you cultivate the fields and sow seeds. You water the seedlings and do everything possible to protect the crop from pests, hurricanes, heavy rains or drought. If you work hard, you will reap a bountiful harvest. It's the same in business: if you act intelligently, apply the right methods and work conscientiously, you will get good results. If you work hard and there is no result, then you made a mistake from the very beginning.
You will succeed if you don't stop halfway.
When people fail, even when pursuing righteous goals, using appropriate methods and working hard, it is usually because they stop halfway. If you give up on your goal before you achieve it, then what will you achieve?
Success in business does not come from good times, just as failure does not come from bad times.
We can be grateful when business is going well, but when the downturn hits, we often think more deeply about things we didn't consider in the beginning. Good times. For example, “why is this product not on sale?”, or “maybe there is a way to reduce the price of this product?” Recessions often provide great opportunities to return to design. The idea that “good times are good and bad times are even better” helps a lot.
The assumption that the world evolves forever is what makes strong management possible.
In the spring new leaves bloom, and in the fall they wither and fall off. This is the nature of the constant cyclical change of seasons. IN human society There are also cycles, and they manifest themselves in the actions of both organizations and people. Although there may be deviations and failures, in general, all things comply with the principle of constant development. If you want to see your organization strong and growing, it is better to believe that the world is not deteriorating, but is constantly evolving.
Making a profit - part social responsibility organizations. Lack of profit is a crime against society.
Profit is the reward for producing a product or providing a service that benefits consumers and makes them happier. Part of the profits goes to government taxes and should serve the development of the entire society. This means that the company is simply obliged to make sufficient profit. Indeed, companies that do not produce anything useful for society do not pay taxes, go into debt and eventually go out of business.
Outstanding entrepreneurs strive to...
Konosuke Matsushita
Principles of success
KONOSUKE MATSUSHITA (1894–1989)The founder of the Matsushita Group and PHP Institute, Inc., Konosuke Matsushita was born in Wakayama Prefecture on November 27, 1894. When he was 9 years old, he went to Osaka City to study. In 1910, he joined the Osaka Electric Light Company (now Kansai Electric Power) as an installation technician in the internal wiring department.
In 1918 he founded the Matsushita Electric Company, which in 1935 was transformed into Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. with Matsushita as president. In 1961, Konosuke became chairman of the board of directors, and in 1973 he accepted the post of consultant to senior management.
In 1946, he founded the PHP Institute to research and disseminate ideas of peace and social prosperity, both spiritual and material.
Preface to the English edition
Words have power. They are magical.
One word can bring the untold
happiness and ignite deep passion.
One word can create pitch darkness
One word can make a huge difference in your life.
opportunities and fulfill your desires.
One word can destroy a life forever.
Indeed, words have power. They
magical.
Katsuhiko Eguchi. People first
Sometimes words carry enormous weight. They can completely change our lives, for better or worse. We do not know when - in the normal course of life or during work - words can open up some new paths or opportunities for us.
Ideas expressed in a few words can sometimes be the most effective and carry great power. This book presents 105 principles drawn from the vast mass of what Konosuke Matsushita has written, expressed in interviews, reports, or other materials throughout his 94-year life, from the day he founded a workshop with three employees that has grown to one of the largest corporations in the world. Subtle changes have been made to the original texts to make these ideas more clearly understood throughout the world, whether they apply to business, work or everyday life, as they have been proven effective in achieving success.
True success is achieved when a person can fully reveal all his talents. Such a person has achieved the fulfillment of all his desires, and he is happy. Success, however, is not something that comes by itself, without effort and without hope, and people who do not accept this world or hold negative views cannot achieve success. Human life unfolds only in accordance with what we strive for. This means that if we want to achieve something, then the first thing we need to do is to passionately want success, and then honestly and sincerely achieve this goal, believing that you will actually achieve it. With this approach, when your life slows down or is completely upside down, the book can help you discern the contours of success if you thoughtfully re-read these revelations that continue to lead us back to true values, transcending time and space. We hope that this book will lay the foundations so that the reader can begin to build his own philosophy of success.
We thank Lynne Riggs for translating this book and Mark Schreiber and Manabu Takeshi for editorial assistance.
Yasunori Ishizaki,
International department of the PHP Institute,
June 2004
Management
Business is something that some people do to make others happy.Business is one of human aspirations. The head of the enterprise, his employees, suppliers, consumers - they are all people. They are all involved in the common pursuit of the happiness of mankind. When running a business, you need to deeply understand people and their inner nature.
A business enthusiast is an artist creating on an endlessly unfolding canvas.
Just like an artist uses paints, brushes and canvas to create a beautiful picture, a businessman uses people, goods and capital to develop new products and offer services in response to the ever-changing needs of the times. In this sense, a businessman is an artist with multifaceted talent.
Konosuke Matsushita is a Japanese businessman, founder of Matsushita Electric, famous for its consumer electronics under the brands Panasonic, Technics, National. Konosuke Matsushita's leadership style is a subtle philosophy of creation and serving people: simple and very wise. Here are some of the principles this extraordinary leader followed.
Konosuke Matsushita Japanese businessman, founder Matsushita Electric, known for its branded consumer electronics Panasonic, Technics, National.
Konosuke Matsushita lived in a very difficult and interesting times. The trials made him strong, but did not harden his heart. Enthusiasm and determination made him successful and the richest man in Japan.
Leadership style Konosuke Matsushita– a subtle philosophy of creation and serving people: simple and very wise.
Here are some of the principles this extraordinary leader followed:
1. A businessman is an artist
Just like an artist uses paint, brushes and canvas to create a beautiful picture, a businessman uses people, goods and capital to develop new products and offer services in response to the ever-changing needs of the times. In this sense, a businessman is an artist with multifaceted talent.
2. Do what's smart and your business will prosper.
When you go out on a rainy or cloudy day, you naturally take an umbrella. So you follow the laws of common sense: You know that if you don’t want to get wet in the rain, you need to take an umbrella.
The same can be said about business. You produce good products and make reasonable profits. In a simple situation, these are completely normal actions, you will have few mistakes, and your enterprise will be successful.
3. On the way to the goal, don’t stop halfway
When people fail, even when pursuing righteous goals, using appropriate methods and working hard, it is usually because they stop halfway. If you give up on your goal before you achieve it, then what will you achieve?
4. Good times are good, but bad times are even better.
We can be grateful when business is going well, but when the downturn hits, we often think more deeply about things we didn't consider during the good times.
Recessions often present great design opportunities. It helps a lot to think that good times are good and bad times are even better.
5. Failure creates opportunities for new success.
Everyone has the right to enjoy success. But success can dull the sense of danger and lead to increased self-esteem. Failure, on the contrary, can create opportunities for new success, if, of course, you are aware of past mistakes and try not to repeat them.
6. Make decisions without hesitation
It is important to make decisions after careful consideration and careful consideration of all the details, but today development is rapidly accelerating. If we don't equip ourselves with the fearlessness and insight to think quickly and make decisions without hesitation, we will find ourselves left behind.
7. An effective formula for employee training
People cannot learn without a gentle and patient teacher, but tolerance in itself is not everything. The most effective formula is 10% severity and 90% softness. But these 10% strictness can change a lot.
8. Don't neglect the little things
Have you ever caught yourself neglecting something because it seems small to you? The old saying goes that even an anthill can defeat a deer.
If you do not solve small problems, then they can accumulate, turn into a mountain and threaten the existence of your organization. You should never neglect the little things.
9. Look for a reason to do instead of a reason not to do.
People tend to find more reasons not to do something than to do it. But if no one does anything, but only apologizes for the lack of results, then the result will be disastrous.
Make it a habit to look for as many reasons as possible to do something. This will pave the way for impressive achievements and lead your enterprise to success.
10. All people are like diamonds
Until a diamond is processed, it does not shine, but sparkles dazzlingly after polishing. This is because the possibility of radiance is hidden within it. All people are like rough diamonds. And even if they don't shine now, it all depends on how they are polished.
11. Adopt good habits
Habits are a set of rules that you can become the owner of with effort. Most quick way acquire good habits - observe a person who already has them. To enrich your life, you need to acquire habits that will strengthen your abilities and help your development.
Konosuke Matsushita
Principles of success
KONOSUKE MATSUSHITA (1894–1989)
The founder of the Matsushita Group and PHP Institute, Inc., Konosuke Matsushita was born in Wakayama Prefecture on November 27, 1894. When he was 9 years old, he went to Osaka City to study. In 1910, he joined the Osaka Electric Light Company (now Kansai Electric Power) as an installation technician in the internal wiring department.
In 1918 he founded the Matsushita Electric Company, which in 1935 was transformed into Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. with Matsushita as president. In 1961, Konosuke became chairman of the board of directors, and in 1973 he accepted the post of consultant to senior management.
In 1946, he founded the PHP Institute to research and disseminate ideas of peace and social prosperity, both spiritual and material.
Preface to the English edition
Words have power. They are magical.
One word can bring the untold
happiness and ignite deep passion.
One word can create pitch darkness
One word can make a huge difference in your life.
opportunities and fulfill your desires.
One word can destroy a life forever.
Indeed, words have power. They
magical.
Katsuhiko Eguchi. People first
Sometimes words carry enormous weight. They can completely change our lives, for better or worse. We do not know when - in the normal course of life or during work - words can open up some new paths or opportunities for us.
Ideas expressed in a few words can sometimes be the most effective and carry great power. This book presents 105 principles drawn from the vast mass of what Konosuke Matsushita has written, expressed in interviews, reports, or other materials throughout his 94-year life, from the day he founded a workshop with three employees that has grown to one of the largest corporations in the world. Subtle changes have been made to the original texts to make these ideas more clearly understood throughout the world, whether they apply to business, work or everyday life, as they have been proven effective in achieving success.
True success is achieved when a person can fully reveal all his talents. Such a person has achieved the fulfillment of all his desires, and he is happy. Success, however, is not something that comes by itself, without effort and without hope, and people who do not accept this world or hold negative views cannot achieve success. Human life unfolds only in accordance with what we strive for. This means that if we want to achieve something, then the first thing we need to do is to passionately want success, and then honestly and sincerely achieve this goal, believing that you will actually achieve it. With this approach, when your life slows down or is completely upside down, the book can help you discern the contours of success if you thoughtfully re-read these revelations that continue to lead us back to true values, transcending time and space. We hope that this book will lay the foundations so that the reader can begin to build his own philosophy of success.
We thank Lynne Riggs for translating this book and Mark Schreiber and Manabu Takeshi for editorial assistance.
Yasunori Ishizaki,
International department of the PHP Institute,
June 2004
Management
Business is something that some people do to make others happy.
Business is one of human aspirations. The head of the enterprise, his employees, suppliers, consumers - they are all people. They are all involved in the common pursuit of the happiness of mankind. When running a business, you need to deeply understand people and their inner nature.
A business enthusiast is an artist creating on an endlessly unfolding canvas.
Just like an artist uses paints, brushes and canvas to create a beautiful picture, a businessman uses people, goods and capital to develop new products and offer services in response to the ever-changing needs of the times. In this sense, a businessman is an artist with multifaceted talent.
The normal growth of an organization depends on the soundness of its business principles.
There are many things to remember when running a business, but the most important are: why does the company exist? And how it should be managed. Having strong principles is critical. After all, only with clear and well-founded business principles can you create a healthy enterprise.
Any business - a public phenomenon, you should not think of it as private property.
Since any organization strives for prosperity by using public resources - land, money, equipment - and human labor and talent, it is responsible to society for what it does. In this sense, the organization is a social phenomenon. You shouldn't think that you can do whatever you want with a business just because you own it.
If you do what is reasonable and natural, like opening your umbrella when it starts to rain, your business will prosper.
When you go out in the rain or on a cloudy day, you naturally take an umbrella. Thus, you follow the laws of common sense: you know that if you do not want to get wet in the rain, you need to take an umbrella. The same can be said about business. You produce good products and make reasonable profits. In a simple situation, these are completely normal actions, you will have few mistakes, and your enterprise will be successful.
Agree that society always knows best. If you are willing to accept this, you will be successful.
There may come a time when you believe that you have a great idea and will work as hard as you can on it, but society will not want to recognize your efforts. If you are tempted at such times by the idea that society is wrong, you will lose the opportunity for further personal growth. From time immemorial, society is certainly right, and it is important to keep this truth in your heart.
If you run your business with smart ideas and the right methods, you will achieve your goal.
When spring comes, you cultivate the fields and sow seeds. You water the seedlings and do everything possible to protect the crop from pests, hurricanes, heavy rains or drought. If you work hard, you will reap a bountiful harvest. It's the same in business: if you act intelligently, apply the right methods and work conscientiously, you will get good results. If you work hard and there is no result, then you made a mistake from the very beginning.
You will succeed if you don't stop halfway.
When people fail, even when pursuing righteous goals, using appropriate methods and working hard, it is usually because they stop halfway. If you give up on your goal before you achieve it, then what will you achieve?
