Work Guidance Provided by Akio for Staff Members
In an unprecedented move, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda participated in an impromptu Q&A session with employees from various stages of their careers, broadcast on the first regular Toyota Times News program. The lively exchange, initiated by program host Yuta Tomikawa, took unexpected turns as employees asked questions ranging from Akio Toyoda's activities when he was 20 years old to advice on fostering talent and engaging new team members.
Toyota has a New Year's tradition of delivering a New Year's report, and this year's greeting highlighted the concept that "there is no such job as a salaryman." Akio Toyoda responded to each question with advice drawn from his own experiences, providing insights into Toyota's management approach and leadership philosophies.
One employee asked Akio Toyoda for advice on drawing people in while training them. In response, Toyota emphasized the importance of maintaining core concepts such as a product and regional focus in operations, aligning employees with shared goals. Another employee asked about understanding the feelings of the silent majority in the department, to which Toyota responded by discussing the importance of "going to the genba" (shop floor) for deeper understanding and connection with employees.
Akio Toyoda also shared tips for interpersonal relations during the Q&A session, emphasizing the need for compassionate leadership that influences through empathy and personal mission (kokorozashi). While not directly from Akio Toyoda, the concept of compassion-driven leadership could be relevant for training and engaging new employees by fostering a supportive environment.
The Q&A session also included questions about Akio Toyoda's past, with one employee asking if he was a "terrible person" when he was 20 years old. Akio Toyoda responded with humility, acknowledging his mistakes and growth over the years. Akio Toyoda was also given the opportunity to ask questions during the session, but details about the questions he asked were not disclosed.
A New Year's report was given from Toyota Thailand, rounding out the eventful Q&A session. The session provided a unique opportunity for Toyota employees to connect with their leader and gain insights into Toyota's management approach and leadership philosophies.
- Akio Toyoda emphasized the importance of maintaining a product and regional focus in operations during the Q&A session, suggesting it helps align employees with shared goals.
- Toyota's management approach and leadership philosophies were highlighted in the Q&A session, giving employees a deeper understanding of the company's strategies.
- Akio Toyoda discussed the concept of compassionate leadership, emphasizing empathy and personal mission (kokorozashi) as key components in influencing and engaging employees.
- Akio Toyoda shared his past experiences and personal growth during the Q&A session, providing insights into his leadership style and allowing employees to connect with him on a personal level.
- The Q&A session offered employees a valuable opportunity for learning and development, as they gained advice on fostering talent, engaging new team members, and interpersonal relations.
- The session provided employees with a rare glimpse into Toyota's leadership and management practices, offering insights that may be relevant for personal growth, career development, and even other areas such as lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, and shopping.
