An ancient Chinese proverb states, “One person can raise a nation; one person can destroy it.” Similarly, it has been said from olden times that the success or failure of an organization or group is determined by the leader. What manner of person must a leader be? Let us consider the question based on the thinking of Nanshu Saigo.

When I started Kyocera, I had no idea what criteria to use for making decisions in management. I soon decided that my decision-making criteria would be, “What is the right thing to do, and what is wrong?” as I was taught by my parents and teachers as a child. “What is right as a human being” is what Saigo refers to as “Divine.” Through the words “Respect the Divine,” Saigo explained the importance of following the right path.

Later, on the occasion of a protest by employees in the third year after I founded Kyocera, I set “To provide opportunities for the material and intellectual growth of all our employees” as the goal of the enterprise. I subsequently recognized the second part of Saigo's expression as well, “Respect the Divine and Love People,” which advocates a broad love for people in general.

Seiwajyuku Kanto Region Jyukucho Meeting (December 11, 2007) Summary