Vision Name that Company – Test Your Knowledge

Vision
Name that Company – Test Your Knowledge

We cannot behave in any way, shape, or form that is inconsistent with the image we hold in our minds. We are only as good as the vision that guides us. All good stuff, but how’s it working for you? We talk about vision and the need to apply the concept to our personal and professional lives, but how good are we—really—at creating a crystal clear vision? Here’s a clue: If a crystal-clear vision delivers crystal clear results, what kind of results does a hazy vison deliver?

Wrong! No results! Most of us are at the mercy of what we already know and believe. What we see around us most often determines what our future delivers. Let’s look at the real power of vision.

Setting the Context: 

In the early 1950’s Japan was still under allied military occupation. According to information I dug up, the per capita income was equal to that of Ethiopia and Somalia; the country was in economic ruin. U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles said, “Japan should not expect to find a big U.S. market because the Japanese don't make things we want." We even made fun of Japanese products well into the 1960s.

A Test: 

One Japanese company was uncomfortable with their existing status. They didn’t like being last on the list, the bottom of the heap, and mockery of the West. This company literally began the process of creating their own future by dreaming, creating a compelling vision, establishing a core set of values, and then making it happen. The idea was so alien, so ambitious, and so—seemingly—unrealistic to the existing paradigm that it ran completely opposite and contrary to all logic and existing circumstances.  The following was their vision. After you read it, guess what company had the audacity to create a corporate empire out of the ashes and ruins that Japan was experiencing at the time:

Their Initial Strategy:

Core Values:

  • Elevation of the Japanese culture and national status
  • Being a pioneer – not following others, doing the impossible
  • Encouraging individual ability and creativity

Their BHAG (Big Harry Audacious Goal):

  • Become the company most known for changing the worldwide poor-quality image of Japanese products

Vision:

  • We will create products that will become pervasive around the world.
  • We will be the first Japanese company to go into the U.S. market and distribute directly.
  • We will succeed with innovation that U.S. companies have failed at.
  • 50 years from now, our brand will be as well knows as any in the world.

 

What was the company? Hint, it was not Toyota.

 

Or… “Send your answers to Grant@PerformanceMatrix... Correct answers will receive a free Attribute Index Assessment worth $350.00. 

Grant Stewart