Message from the CEO

Written by Raj Tulsiani

I recently returned from a trip to Japan. The way British and Japanese businesses organize and think about employee value propositions was a cultural shock, which modulated from the dull ache of knowing we were outmatched in business culture in competitive markets to the sharp pains of frustration, knowing Green Park’s agility and access to diverse talent means doing the same things in changed markets is holding us back on the global stage.

As soon as one arrives in Japan, the differences become apparent. Language, culture, customs, hierarchy, tidiness, and politeness are all instantly recognisable as different. This message focuses on the first of three business concepts that resonated deeply with me, which I will try and introduce to our business/client network to increase productivity and staff sustainability in our unique labour market with high vacancies and high employment, high diversity and low inclusion.

“Kintsugi is the centuries-old Japanese tradition of repairing broken ceramics with gold. It means, literally, ‘to join with gold’.”

In business aesthetically, this means that wavy mistake has value and purpose.

“…the broken pieces of an accidentally-smashed pot should be carefully picked up, reassembled and then glued together with lacquer inflected with a luxuriant gold powder.

Every break is unique. Instead of restoring an item like new, the 400-year-old technique highlights the ‘scars’ as a part of the design. There should be no attempt to disguise the damage.

The metaphor for life is clear. We should embrace and celebrate our flaws and imperfections. Sometimes, in repairing things that have broken (relationships, careers,…), we can create something more unique, beautiful, and resilient.”

To make this work for UK business, firstly we have to accept and discuss the value of mistakes, difficult experiences and decide if a culture that makes the most of them is better than one focussed on hiding them – as even the most charmed lives have ups and downs.

“Get knocked down 7 times but get up 8” was the first Japanese saying I was taught.

Until next time,
Raj