This was not supposed to be my first post on Venturewoods. But India’s soccer game against Japan at the Salt Lake stadium in which there was a power failure and a dog ran on the ground in the middle of the game made me wonder if something like this could ever happen in a game hosted in Japan. I can also not expect a less than perfect product from Toshiba or Toyota. How is it that this small nation became the benchmark for quality and efficiency?
While no doubt the Japanese quality control systems and processes have a big hand to play, I believe at the basic level its about Awareness, Pride and Simplicity. (I am not trying to preach. I am learning myself)
Awareness:
What we and our work represents and the impact it can have. Today when the entrepreneurial activity is on its highest, are we Indian entrepreneurs aware of this? Are we aware how our work can influence not only the technology sector we are involved in but also the social and economic scenario of a country that has been looking for a chance for a long time.
Pride:
This one is simple. The roads should be clean and the user interfaces the best – Because they are Indian!
Simplicity:
In doing your small bit in the best possible manner and also in ensuring the benefits reach the end customer in the simplest possible manner. “System” is a word used very often by Japanese restaurants, gyms, bars, cell phone application companies and any other service organization. In not more than 3 straight forward steps it explains everything to the customer. The same simplicity is seen in a Japanese person or organization accepting its limitations and offering only what it can deliver best.
I believe we have a chance. Today when many of us are building (or thinking of building) companies, we can also rebuild a nation. I for one do not believe that “Social Entrepreneurs” should be a separate category. What were your feelings when you started (or now when you are thinking of starting) your company? What is your main driving force? What values should be at the core of new Indian startups?
Dog at Salt Lake:
- Twittering for a cause – Help build a library - August 24, 2009
- Education?! - November 3, 2006
- Lessons from Japan - October 16, 2006
Nice overview. I always think that the right meaning of patriotism is to love the nation and work for the upliftment and betterment of the same, rather than keep critisizing the other developed nations I would rather call it narrow patriotism
There is nothing wrong in taking the good points from any nation and implementing them in the Indian Perspective, The present state of Japan is only because of the considerate and responsible citizens and I think that India has yet to achieve that mark.