Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 224 Consideration
Mar
15
Consideration
In Japan, when speaking to a superior, it’s necessary to be considerate (”hairyo” in Japanese). Superiors generally mean those higher up in a company, customers, and older people. In short, consideration refers to treating people with thoughtfulness and attentiveness, depending on the situation. Specifically, it involves considering others’ feelings and positions and acting accordingly in a courteous manner. To maintain good relationships with people, being considerate is important, which requires showing respect and treating others with kindness. Consideration also builds trust and encourages good communication with others.
Consideration for customers is called "omotenashi”. Omotenashi means inviting people and entertaining them wholeheartedly. In traditional Japanese culture, omotenashi is very important and based on the idea that "customers are gods”. Specifically, when welcoming someone, you must use polite language and prepare a clean place. It’s also important to consider their tastes and hobbies, and to offer some form of entertainment like food, tea, and conversation.
Even today, omotenashi plays a very important role in the hospitality, tourism, and service industry. Providing customers with a comfortable space and high-quality service will increase satisfaction, increase repeat business, and lead to good word-of-mouth. Omotenashi shows genuine consideration for others, which can deepen the relationship of trust and bonding with them.
Consideration is a common way to express "hairyo" in English. Words like "thoughtfulness" and "carefulness" can also be used to express the same meaning.
Kenichi Uchikura
President / CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.
ken.uchikura@pspinc.com
Twitter | Facebook | Linked In
__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__
PSPINC MISSION STATEMENT
PSPINC empowers businesses with innovative software solutions that save money, increase productivity and drive revenue growth. We deliver high-quality products with exceptional service, building strong relationships to help businesses thrive in the digital landscape.
__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__..-・**・-..__