In addition to furniture making and design, one of my roles is running the company.
That said, I am still running a small company with less than 20 employees, and I am aware that I am not particularly qualified to be a manager, but there are some things that I have to do as the leader.
First, "imagine a fun future and don't waver until it comes true"
Even if you hesitate or turn back, it is a necessary process in moving towards your goal, so keep going until you achieve it.
And the most important thing is to have our employees become our teammates, not just employees.
We want them to participate in building the company and enjoy small successes together.
They are not shitty employees who complain about the company's direction for their own convenience, but colleagues who will think and act together with us about how to achieve our goals in the shortest possible time.
There is even a "Creative Day" where everyone participates in the daytime, eating and drinking, and sharing their opinions about the company in a relaxed atmosphere.
I always try to make sure that anyone, even new employees, can express their opinions and if they are adopted, the company can start moving the very next day.
Recently, we have started holding "Club Activity Days" where we can share and enjoy each other's hobbies, such as surfing, snowboarding, motorcycling, camping, fishing, and calligraphy, and all of this leads to the creation of good teams and the creation of good products.
Endo, who switched from being a salaryman to a craftsman, once said:
"Previously, I felt like I was just riding on the company's big ship, but with KOMA, I really feel like I'm out on the open sea in a small boat. We use our respective areas of expertise to read the compass, row the oars, catch fish, and prepare food. I find that rewarding and enjoyable."
That's right. I thought it really got across.
We often hear people say that "management is lonely," but that's probably because it creates a barrier between managers and employees based on their positions.
My job as the leader is to look after my teammates and take responsibility for the direction I've set for them, and that's nothing special. I think it's just that my role is different, not my position.
So the people at KOMA aren't managers or employees, but crew members who share our joy as the ship gets bigger and we can now go a little further.