Serving the Folks That Matter™: Hagakure Principles

Commitment to the Folks That Matter™ Drives Satisfaction and Delight

Henry Ford once said,

It is not the employer who pays the wages; employers only handle the money. It is the customer who pays the wages.

This statement reinforces the Hagakure’s guidance on unwavering allegiance to one’s master. In modern product development, our true master becomes all the Folks That Matter™. Engaging fully with their needs and objectives doesn’t just improve the work; it also ensures outcomes align with the needs of those footing the bill.

Unwavering allegiance to one’s master is at the heart of Hagakure. In our setting, the Folks That Matter™ become the ‘master.’ To be truly committed means not just doing the work but understanding the why behind it. Are you meeting the needs  that matter to all the Folks That Matter™? Are you adding features that bring them value? Such targeted engagement ensures that your contributions align with the needs and objectives of those who actually pay your wage.

Loyalty: Team, Code, Customer?

Loyalty in the Hagakure transcends any transient obligation; it manifests as a lasting allegiance to your cause and your ‘master,’ in this case, The Folks That Matter™. How does this loyalty manifest in the workplace? It’s about becoming a reliable team member, adhering to standard work, and actively participating . This goes beyond your immediate team, extending to all the Folks That Matter™. After all, a robust and reliable product directly impacts folks’ satisfaction.

Courage: Risk for Reward?

Courage isn’t merely about overcoming fear; it’s a calculated action despite fear. The Hagakure praises the courage to make difficult but crucial decisions. In business, this courage manifests when facing hard choices. Maybe the current path for the product isn’t viable, or perhaps a much-loved feature doesn’t fit the broader objectives. Making these tough decisions serves the long-term interests of The Folks That Matter™, who, as Henry Ford pointed out, are the actual wage payers.

Honour: More Than a Virtue?

The notion of honour is deeply ingrained in the Hagakure’s teachings. This isn’t about an abstract moral high ground but about tangible actions that uphold your integrity and reputation. What does it look like in practice? Treating teammates with respect, attending to their needs, ensuring ethical working practices, and being transparent in all interactions. These actions don’t just impact internal team dynamics; they resonate with the needs of all the Folks That Matter™, thus fostering a level of trust and respect that builds long-term relationships.

Presence: A Cornerstone for Satisfaction?

Being present in every undertaking is a key lesson from the Hagakure. This principle isn’t just philosophical; it has practical implications. In a world filled with distractions, giving your complete attention to the task at hand might be more challenging but it’s also more rewarding. This focus allows you to tackle issues more effectively, craft better features, and ultimately provide a product that better serves the needs of the Folks That Matter™.

In summary, combining the ancient wisdom of the Hagakure with Henry Ford’s insights results in a fresh, yet rooted, approach to work. Embodying commitment, loyalty, courage, honour, and presence ensures a strong alignment with the needs and values of The Folks That Matter™, effectively reminding us who really pays the wages.