Boss/Subordinate

Q1: Looking back over the past few years

I Have a Boss, So I Can Take on Challenges Without Hesitation

• 

  Niphara

  It's been a few years since I became their boss, and since we joined the same team, it's been a whirlwind of activity.

• 

  Hayashida

  The word "tumultuous" really fits those days (laughs). Product prices were rising at an unprecedented rate, and we had a series of delivery troubles, which caused us tremendous hardship.

• 

  Odaka

  To be honest, there were times when I felt like giving up. With the numerous delivery troubles that arose due to the tight supply and demand of semiconductors, it was not uncommon for customers to request, "This is such a big problem, please let me speak to your boss, Mr. Odaka!"

• 

  Niphara

  I think that the two of them were really helpful, as they patiently faced our customers even during this difficult time. We were sometimes called in by customers, but because the two of them diligently reported the situation to them, we were able to communicate with them from a situation where we weren't saying, "Macnica Macnica fault, but if the Company semiconductors don't arrive, it will have a major impact on our business, so is there anything we can do...?"

• 

  Hayashida

  The delivery issues we've had over the past few years have not been due to operational errors on Macnica 's part, but rather disruptions to the supply chain that have occurred worldwide. Therefore, we have worked hard to obtain detailed information from our suppliers and ensure that our customers understand the current situation.

• 

  Odaka

  If the situation got to the point where the customer got angry, my boss, Mr. Hihara, would have to be in front of the customer and deal with the situation. As the on-site sales representative, I worked hard to build relationships of trust with the customer and be conscious of being able to resolve the problem ourselves.

• 

  Niphara

  I'm always there to help out if necessary, so they don't have to worry about it (laughs), but I'm really grateful that they think so.

• 

  Hayashida

  No matter how many times I failed, I had the peace of mind that "Hihara-san will support me" if something bad happened, so I was able to work hard without hesitation.

• 

  Odaka

  For me personally, it was a great experience to learn sales skills from watching Hihara-san interact with customers on-site!

• 

  Odaka

  It's not easy to turn around from that situation...

• 

  Hayashida

  It was a very tough situation. But Hihara-san prioritized this project over other work, visiting the customer with me and helping me to hear their needs in detail and negotiate terms. In the process, we were able to come up with a proposal that I would never have thought of on my own, and as a result, the customer accepted the proposal and adopted the product.

• 

  Niphara

  I thought it would be difficult to win the project based on the proposal that Hayashida-san had originally presented to the client. However, Hayashida-san was still inexperienced at the time, so it was only natural that I, as his superior, would follow up.

• 

  Hayashida

  I still vividly remember how relieved I felt when Hihara told me, "I'll take full responsibility even if we fail, so let's just enjoy this exciting situation." That project gave me the mindset to not be afraid to take on new challenges.

• 

  Odaka

  I often feel pressured, too, but I would like to follow their example and approach my work with a positive attitude!

Q3: Subordinates' growth and the manager's mindset

If You're Going to Fall, Roll Forward

• 

  Niphara

  Mr. Hayashida, you were a bit confused when you first changed jobs, but I think you've grown tremendously through the various experiences you've had.

• 

  Hayashida

  I joined Macnica from a completely different industry! I didn't know what to do and it was pretty stressful! Recently, I've gained a deeper understanding of the work, and I'm enjoying my work even more.

• 

  Niphara

  Odaka-san has become able to speak from the customer's perspective. I think he has really grown into a fully-fledged salesperson.

• 

  Odaka

  Thank you! When I was transferred to my current department, I was really pressed for time and could only do my best to respond to requests from customers. However, I realized that I needed to provide more value and be considerate to customers in order to gain their trust, and before I knew it, I was able to do this naturally.

• 

  Niphara

  It's important to achieve results in business, but it's also really satisfying to see your subordinates grow.

• 

  Odaka

  I'm glad to hear that. I'd like to ask you this while we're at it: is there anything you pay particular attention to in order to help your subordinates grow?

• 

  Niphara

  I think it's about creating an environment and atmosphere where my subordinates can "fall forward." Sometimes I take the lead and set an example, but basically I let them work freely. My number one priority is helping them grow, so I try to build a team where my subordinates are more willing to put in the effort than others. You learn more from failure than success. Step forward as much as possible, raise your hand, try new things, fail, and get scolded. I want my subordinates to have as many experiences as possible while they're young, so that they can develop a business mindset and the ability to be creative.

• 

  Hayashida

  "Failure is the mother of success."

• 

  Niphara

  That's right. They have taken on so many challenges and experienced failures, but ultimately achieved results, so it makes me want to not give up. Let's continue to be conscious of growth and overcome many adversities together!

• 

  Hayashida

  thank you!

• 

  Odaka

  thank you!