9 takeaways from «The Swordless Samurai: Leadership Wisdom of Japan's Sixteenth-Century Legend--Toyotomi Hideyoshi» ⛩️
Can the Monkey become Emperor?
Kitami Masao's book, «The Swordless Samurai: Leadership Wisdom of Japan's Sixteenth-Century Legend» describes the success story of a boy from a peasant family, nicknamed Monkey, who became the Emperor of Japan. He was nicknamed the monkey for his short stature and congenital physical defects, but this did not prevent him from becoming the leader of the nation. This is a real story, not fiction.
You can read or listen to «The Swordless Samurai» online, or you can save yourself a lot of time and read the 9 main conclusions without the fluff in just 5 minutes.
Enjoy reading!
1. «Poverty became my advantage, because it helped me understand the meaning of the struggle for existence, which a person from the bottom has to wage»
Many people who consider themselves poor blame anyone but themselves for this. I once did that too. But all this acts as an anchor that needs to be dropped as soon as possible.
If you also have this problem, stop thinking that you do not have the best conditions to start becoming a billionaire. Throw those thoughts away and start doing something other than picking your nose. As soon as you change your thinking, you will realize that the obstacles were really only in your head.
2. Leaders should be grateful
If you take on a leadership role and set a goal, it's important to be grateful for accomplishing it. One material motivator does not help; that's a fact.
Put yourself in the place of an employee. Will you not lose the desire to work if there's only a consumer attitude toward your work? That is why it is important to appreciate the work of others and be sincerely grateful to people. Once again, I emphasize: sincerely and not for show.
3. Do not be offended by the twists of fate, but learn from the experience gained
The conclusion is simple and obvious, but many people forget about it. There are often failures in our lives, and if we were to ask ourselves every time, "Why is that? Why me? You will not only lose a lot of time but also energy.
Accept unexpected twists of fate not as a problem but as something that will make you stronger. When confronted with them again, you will stand firm. Stop whining!
4. Fortune favors the fearless. Act boldly at critical moments
Often we are faced with difficult decisions on which our lives depend. If you lie low and let everything take its course, the result will be appropriate. But if you want to become successful in the future, you also need determination.
It is comparable to skydiving. When you decide to take a step, you enjoy the result. Don't be afraid!
5. The secret to winning loyal supporters is to be a leader, not a boss
Yes, there is a huge difference between these words. The boss usually requires a clear performance of tasks with the help of fear. On the contrary, the leader, on the basis of personal example and the right actions, shows how to achieve the desired result. He is loyal and does not force you to follow instructions mechanically, but allows you to make decisions on your own.
If you want employees to be motivated to work and honest with you, be a leader!
6. Use cunning and put pressure on the greed of enemies
In the book «The Swordless Samurai» there is a valuable, sharp story about how Monkey (the main character) captured the fortress without a fight.