Resilience

Ten years ago, life as we knew it changed forever in America.  Six months ago, life changed for the people of Japan.  September 11 marks the six month anniversary of the tsunami, as well as the infamous anniversary of U.S. World Trade Center horror. As we are reminded this weekend with anniversary memorials of the attacks on America, let us not forget the devastation that occurred in Japan only six months ago.  We can learn much from our Japanese Pilots by the example they have set in the past six months. 

I am reminded of the Japanese proverb: Fall down seven times, get up eight. 

Japanese culture cannot adequately be addressed in a short space, but this proverb reflects an important and shared ideal: "Nana korobi ya oki" (There are four Chinese characters: From the left: seven, fall (followed by one Japanese letter び ), eight, rise (followed by one Japanese letter き) total of 6 letters. 七転び八起き) means “Fall down seven times and get up eight.” This speaks to the Japanese concept of resilience; no matter how many times you are knocked down, you get up again. You can see this ethic reinforced in all facets of Japanese culture including education, business, sports, the martial arts the Zen arts, etc. It is especially important to remember the sentiment expressed in this proverb when times are dark. There are no quick fixes in life, and anything of real worth will take struggle and perseverance. Success does not often come—what’s more important is doing one’s best and being persistent. 

A concept related to the saying "Nana korobi ya oki" is the spirit of gambaru (頑張る), deeply rooted in the Japanese culture and approach to life. The literal meaning of gambaru is the idea of sticking with a task with tenacity until it is completed—of making a persistent effort until success is achieved. Generally speaking, “gambette,” is used often in daily language to encourage others to “do your best” in work, to “fight on!” and “never give up!” during a sporting event or studying for an exam. You do not always have to win, but you must never give up. While others may encourage you to "gambatte kudasai!,” the real spirit of gambaru comes from within.

The best kind of motivation is intrinsic motivation. For the benefit of oneself — and for the benefit of others as well — one must bear down and do their best. Even in good times, being uncooperative and rude is frowned upon. In a crisis, the idea of complaining or acting selfishly to the detriment of those around you is the worst thing a person can do.

Lessons for us all?

On September 11, 2001 ordinary people did extraordinary things.   In a crisis, people show their true character. Anyone can be cooperative, patient, and understanding when things are going well and life is good, but it is the noble man or woman who behaves with grace, compassion and even kindness when times are very, very bad.  

The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little "extra".  As leaders, we need to be extraordinary at all times; mediocrity is not an option.  Yes, we fail at times, but when we fall, we must stand up, brush ourselves off, and begin again. 

このブログ作成に協力してくれた久保菊子さん、ありがとう

Kono blog sakusei ni kyoryoku shite kureta Kubo Kikuko san, arigato.

Thank you Kikuku Kubo for assisting with this blog.

Some of the Japan Delegates and myself at the 

Pilot International Leadership Conference and Annual Convention 

in Dallas this past July.