How to Inspire Great Work

Context

Last year, I traveled to Japan to meet with some of the best artisans.

I wanted to understand why Japanese craftsmanship excels while it is on the downward road everywhere else.

There surely must be a way of thinking that we are missing.

Even casual crafts like soups (ramen) and flower-binding (ikebana) are elevated to such a high level of craftsmanship that the world salivates.

But what is it that makes the ordinary special in the land of the rising Pokemon?

I went on a journey:

I spoke with Michelin star cooks. I visited the best jeans maker in the country. I sat down with Ceramists who advised Steve Jobs. I questioned successful startup founders, university professors, and innovation specialists.

One concept started to emerge:

The philosophical concept of “Kodawari.”

The Kodawari Framework

Kodawari is the spiritual pursuit of perfection in your craft.

To live your Kodawari: 

→ you pursue a deep commitment to quality, 

→ you are willing to attend to the finest details, 

→ you strive for excellence continuously.

Kodawari goes beyond mere skill and technique.

Living "Kodawari" makes you emotionally and spiritually invested in the process.

You take pride in what you do, no matter how minor or routine the task may be. You apply yourself entirely to achieve the highest standards.

Adopting the principles of Kodawari can transform the way you approach your work by encouraging you to: 

→ focus on quality over quantity, 

→ value the process as much as the outcome, 

→ continuously improve and refine your skills.

Application

How can you integrate Kodawari into your daily routines?

Kodawari starts with a mindset shift:

1. COMMIT TO EXCELLENCE

If it's a small task or a significant project, approach your work with the intent to do it to the best of your ability. A path to excellence will open up.

2. FALL IN LOVE WITH THE DETAILS

The small things matter. Find excellence in the details that others might overlook. Learn to love the details.

3. NEVER STOP LEARNING 

Mastery is a journey, not a destination. Find the room for improvement. Look for new skills to acquire that give you a new perspective.

This concept of Kodawari is at the heart of Japanese artisans and can help you find meaning and pride in your work.

By embracing Kodawari, you will not only enhance the quality of your work but also find more profound satisfaction and meaning in what you do.

Reflect:

How do you practice Kodawari in your life and work?

I’ll see you next week,

Nikolas Konstantin

P.S. Want more…

The Yearly Reflection Space for Leaders: The Wise Leadership Retreat

I've opened applications for my 2024 "Wise Leadership Retreat.“ It will take place 06.- 11. August this year.

What you can expect:

1. A full-day workshop on wise leadership will help you gain clarity on your values and goals.

2. Three days of silent meditation training to widen your awareness and mindfulness.

3. Nourishing meals, sauna, and beautiful surrounding lake and nature.

4. Connecting with like-minded leaders facing similar challenges.

5. Closing workshop to harvest new skills and insights for lasting growth.

Training the Theory and Art of Meditation: A Beautiful Mind Course

Can’t join the silent meditation retreat this year?

If you want to train your mind and understand the theory from science and meditation traditions, this one is for you.

The Online Course includes:

• The Guide to the 3 Styles of Meditation E-Book,

• 4 hours of theory,

• 10 + Meditations

• & Retreat Mode (create your own silent retreat with my retreat recordings)

The Best of Management and Leadership: Founder Playbooks

As a CEO coach, I scan the best of leadership literature and mindfulness so my clients can focus on what matters most—building a thriving organization.

Some of that theory makes it into my client’s Founder Playbooks library, featuring the best management and leadership theory. So far, I have made those "Founder Playbooks" only accessible to my coaches. You can have exclusive access here.

A la Carte Executive Training: Executive Coaching

Each year, I support a number of leaders to transform into more resonant versions of themselves - so they can grow with purpose and positively impact the world. Want to be coached by me? Say hello.

Thanks for reading.

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I’ll see you next week,

Nikolas Konstantin