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にほんブログ村
Hello, this is Yasui, the solo president of a company specializing in inspections of high-pressure gas facilities.
The other day, I went out for dinner with my friend M from my student days, someone I regularly catch up with.
Since we both take care of family responsibilities and our children before meeting up, it’s usually a bit late when we gather. By that time, we’re both quite hungry.
M works in the medical field. Maybe because of that, he has a lot of stamina and a great appetite.
After dinner, we bought some hot coffee from a vending machine and chatted in the car until just before midnight.
We talked about topics like muscle training, everyday life, raising children, money matters, and work—our conversations never seemed to run out of topics.
Listening to him, I get the impression that M is very observant, whether it’s about his work or his family. Even when his boss makes an out-of-the-blue decision, M isn’t afraid to share his clear and well-thought-out opinions.
Although his straightforwardness might not perfectly align with Japan’s tendency to resolve problems by going with the flow, his ability to see the essence of an issue seems to stem from his ability to take a step back and view things from a broader perspective.
M must have excellent communication skills. He often mentions his younger colleagues, and he’s not only knowledgeable but also insightful. He uses relatable examples, making even complex topics easy to understand.
Even as he approaches 40, his unrelenting curiosity adds depth to his character. His medical background gives him a foundation in biology, and when combined with his storytelling skills and newfound knowledge, the result is a seamless harmony that makes him endlessly engaging to listen to.
What’s more, he never brags.
Often, in conversations, someone might suddenly say, “Oh, I do that too!” and then start talking about themselves. It’s natural—people want to share their stories, get praised, acknowledged, and admired. But too much of that can derail the conversation and prevent it from deepening.
For such self-centered stories, social media friends can probably take the place of those sitting in front of you.
I get the sense that M is fulfilled in his work. That’s why he doesn’t exude a need for validation or recognition.
Curiosity plays a crucial role in acquiring wisdom. Taking an interest in what’s right in front of you sparks a chain reaction, spreading like a web to other areas of curiosity. This applies to work as well. Taking a genuine interest in your tasks and asking why something is the way it is ultimately shapes you into a capable individual.
Rather than recalling things step by step as they were taught, understanding the core essence is the fastest approach. If someone is told to work by recalling everything from scratch, many would find it challenging. That’s why repeated practice until it becomes second nature is crucial.
As for me, I sometimes feel a little sad that my children don’t seem to be overflowing with curiosity.
Kids who love bugs, who are hyperactive—such children often appear brimming with curiosity and energy that can’t be contained. But I rarely see such traits in my own kids.
Maybe somewhere along the way, when I wasn’t fully present as a father, I inadvertently suppressed that curiosity.
That said, my kids are learning new things at school every day. From here on, I want to offer whatever support I can to help them find something they love that sparks unstoppable curiosity.
Today’s Quote:
“Even as adults, maintaining curiosity allows us to absorb wisdom and adds depth to our character.”
See you next time!
Lastly, please click the link below!
To the Management Blog at Nihon Blog Village
