Chapter 24 The fourth successful decoding: zero-distance contact with global business leaders

With the fame of Panasonic products in the world, people began to pay close attention to the legendary and brilliant life of Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic’s business, hoping to know how Konosuke Matsushita won such a huge performance.Konosuke Matsushita has won an incomparably brilliant honor for himself with a lifetime of career struggle experience, excellent management skills, and world-renowned performance.Behind these honors are his unparalleled achievements. For Konosuke Matsushita, whether he was alive or after his death, people gave him a very high evaluation, and this evaluation not only came from the business and financial circles, but also from the general public in all walks of life.The external evaluations are almost all praises for Konosuke Matsushita, so how does Konosuke Matsushita evaluate his career achievements in his life?We quote his conversation with Shiro Ishiyama again. Konosuke Matsushita also commented on him as follows when Panasonic entered 50 years.

Shiro Ishiyama: On May 5 this year, a gathering was held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding. How do you feel about entering the 50th anniversary of the founding? Konosuke Matsushita: I think 50 years have passed in an instant.Although May 5 this year is the 50th social celebration, in fact it has only been 49 years since the establishment of the company, and it will only be 50 years next year.Therefore, this year can be said to be a time to review the past 50 years. I hope that in the short year before May 5 next year, I will thoroughly reflect on my past actions and then publicly announce my business plan for the next 50 years.

Shiro Ishiyama: Reflection? Konosuke Matsushita: Looking back on the past 50 years, I think there are many places worthy of reflection.Looking back on many things now, people always have the feeling of "this should not have been done" or "why did this not be done". Shiro Ishiyama: From our point of view, there seems to be no such thing! Konosuke Matsushita: Although everything seems to be going well on the surface, there are indeed some things that I think are wrong, or I should reflect on it from the standpoint of the company.If you think about it, there are many such facts.

Shiro Ishiyama: After 50 years in business, how much do you think you can rate the achievements of Panasonic Electric Corporation? Konosuke Matsushita: Almost 85 points. Ishiyama Shiro: Is it still 15 points away? Konosuke Matsushita: Yes.However, everything is impossible to be perfect, I think it would be good to reach the standard of 90 points. Although Matsushita has achieved brilliant performance and attracted praise from thousands of people, Konosuke Matsushita is still very clear-headed. He does not elevate himself too high, but clearly recognizes his own gaps and deficiencies.Because Konosuke Matsushita is always discovering his own problems, he can keep looking forward and develop his career continuously.

People from all walks of life spoke highly of Konosuke Matsushita, from which we can see Konosuke Matsushita's excellence in character, spirit, and management concepts. Eiji Toyoda, chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: When I was an executive, I led technical staff to visit the Panasonic Electric Factory, and Panasonic cadres lined up for a grand welcome. The first person was Mr. Konosuke Matsushita himself.His attention and respect for his customers is unmatched.He always implements the spirit of customer first.He also gathered cadres and took the lead in asking in-depth questions to Toyota personnel.His humility and the spirit of leading by example make people feel that he is worthy of being an excellent operator.

Saji Keizo, chairman of Santelli Liquor Company, recalled: When the unveiling ceremony of the full-body portrait of his late father, Shinjiro Torii, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita braved the blizzard to come.He said: "If Mr. Torii is still alive, he will be 102 years old. In any case, I will live to be 102 years old instead of him. My fate with him is so deep!" When he was an apprentice in a bicycle shop, he met Mr. The father of the wine business.After the success of their careers, the two also formed the "No Penny Club".Today, I am also deeply cared for by him, and I deeply feel that the father and son have had such a deep opportunity to be known.I want to say: "Not only to live to the age of 102 for my late father, but also to wish you a long life and happiness like the East China Sea."

Subhei Nakayama, a consultant of the Industrial Bank of Japan, commented: "Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is good at making big plans. When it comes to selecting an heir, he chose the last member of the supervisor—the young Yamashita as the successor president. He took a fancy to Yamashita. He can change and break through the established concepts in a timely manner, has a vision, and can grasp the overall situation. Similarly, before his business was on track, he began to advocate the PHP movement. What he considered was not to make the business flourish, but to promote Japanese politics. , the economy, to make Matsushita’s business prosperous. This is his consistent business philosophy, and it is also the first reason why he is listed as a 'respectable person' by the Japanese."

Saeki Isamu, chairman of Kinki Nippon Railway Company, said: "Mr. Konosuke Matsushita's career characteristics are accurate insight into the needs of trends, personally finding out the tricks of development, and continuous innovation. He is a free person who can use straightforward, unbiased ideas. Only by observing and listening with heart and accumulating a solid understanding can we make the correct judgment of what should be abandoned and what should be advanced. This is true for both career and life. Although he is old, he's not dry Crucian carp, but live crucian carp.' Even crucian carp, once dried, loses the freshness and deliciousness of life. Only by having vitality can one improve day by day. Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is a person who is 'never satisfied'."

Wang Shi, chairman of Vanke Group, said: "Hu Xueyan has become a red-top businessman, and his business is big enough, but in his own life, he has gone through the whole process from prosperity to decline, and Matsushita Konosuke passed away, and Matsushita continued to develop. " Satakero Ohai, a consultant to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, believes that it is Mr. Konosuke Matsushita's unique management ability to "insight into the future" and achieve concrete results.And he is not only an operator, but also strongly concerned about the future of Japan, so he founded Matsushita Political Juku and wrote many books.Although he is old, he still goes abroad for investigation, and wants to confirm the truth with his own eyes. This is all because of a young spirit supporting him.This international figure was once on the cover of magazines such as "Time" and "Life". It may be that his pioneering spirit and courage to face up to difficulties are very suitable for Americans.

Senator Aiko Anzai commented: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita, as a world-class entrepreneur, always keeps in mind the attitude he should have towards honest people.After Japan's defeat, all moral education was deleted. He couldn't help but search the strict education systems of other countries, and even the cultural and educational committees were not as thorough as he was.In the future, it has gradually shifted from academic qualifications to learning society.Mr. Matsushita's way of survival and struggle will be more valued.Even if the times and backgrounds are different, this senior will always be an indispensable encouragement and spiritual sustenance to modern youth.

Masako Higa, president of the Kansai Housewives Federation, recalled: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita, the symbol of the annual turnover of 3.4 trillion yuan, is indeed very far away from me who manages the nursery.But although it is a completely different world, it feels very similar in spirit.Mr. Konosuke Matsushita's insight is not only in business, but also good at understanding people's hearts, very delicate and understanding.Once I gave him the best tea in the country.He sent a letter to thank him, and at the end he added: "It is very effective to use an international brand electric fan to prevent tea frost damage." His funny side is also worthy of being the "God of Management". Minister of Transport Tokusaburo Kosaka said: Even though he has retreated behind the scenes, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita still shouted in his heart what he was going to do today every morning, and a wonderful force would come to his heart.In my opinion, this is the reason why he can achieve what he is today.He already has a lot of life experience, and he often asks himself: "Is this better?" And he also has the courage to confess to the public frankly.These styles of his can't help but move people, no matter what school he graduated from, it doesn't matter, he has already surpassed it by a long way. Senate member Eiichi Nakamura said: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita will be called a "God" by the industry, probably because he persuades people with practicality.People in Osaka don't like to care about Erns and Galbraith; he just talks with computer-like perception, in plain terms: "How do I make money?" and so on.As a hard-working and successful person, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita has no boastful ideas, and the incomparable persuasiveness naturally revealed by his personality cannot be imitated.Perhaps it is the softness and straightforwardness of the Kansai dialect that makes people think "you can rest assured about this person".This incomparable persuasiveness may be based on his fundamental philosophy of "let us stand on the same side and talk shoulder to shoulder (not face to face). Yuji Aida, an honorary professor at Kyoto University, commented: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita has the temper of an ancient samurai—trustworthy, self-disciplined, never relying on politics to make money, and completely abides by business ethics.He sincerely and carefully abides by etiquette. This character has also infected all the employees of the company, forming a rare and precious "community atmosphere".And his best talent is to have a keen and intuitive insight into everything and accurately judge the truth without relying on analysis. Kazuo Noda, a professor at Bishop's University, believes that Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is a sentimentalist and a rationalist.I once asked several Panasonic employees how they felt about being demoted, and they all answered unanimously: "This is my own mistake, and fortunately, Mr. Matsushita gave me a chance to start again." This not only shows that his punishment can convince the employees Orally, he does not complain, does not shirk responsibility, and understands the spirit of gratitude, which also infects employees.Some people say: "The greatest thing about Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is that he does not show greatness." I also feel the same way.But I think, in fact, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita did not realize that he is great at all, so his words and deeds are so natural and natural, which can even be described as "pure". This Osaka businessman is really a very rare figure in ancient and modern times.Former NHK Commentary Chairman Akira Ogata said that Mr. Konosuke Matsushita talked about "death" when he was 88 years old: "Any great man must die. However, death is also a form of development." Different, as usual, peaceful and peaceful, natural and not ostentatious.Looking at his speech expression when he was young, the enthusiasm and impulsiveness can really make people understand the ultimate purpose of his business. He has gone beyond making money, but for the well-being of all mankind.Therefore, he couldn't tolerate it even more: making good products, but sales decreased instead.He insisted that "Panasonic does not allow the idea of ​​not making money."His insights are often so unique. Yoshiji Miyata, chairman of the Metal Workers’ Council, said: When Mr. Konosuke Matsushita gave a speech at the Matsushita labor union, the unification of the labor front was in the midst of fierceness, and I devoted myself to it.After his speech, he even said to me: "I am very moved by your belief in the labor movement. I hope you can carry out your belief for the country, and I will give my full support." This really surprised me.Because of his various encouragements, I had to look at him from other angles.As a result, I found that he is not only an entrepreneur, but also an educator and a religious man.Regardless of the aspect, there is a remarkable foresight.He can be said to be the ideological root of Japan's rural prosperity, and the creator of Yu Bufan's "tax-free country theory". Actress Gao Feng Mieko spoke highly of Matsushita Konosuke: Although Mr. Matsushita Konosuke's status is so lofty, he is not proud at all, he treats everyone equally and is approachable, so when you talk to him, you often forget that you are in front of a great person .And the content of his conversation, from time to time, has a warm and moving philosophy of life.He has a pair of big erect ears, and when he doesn't understand something, he must ask frankly: "What is this?" If you find out thoroughly, you really live and learn.I sincerely wish him good health forever, because I hope to send him flowers on his birthday forever. The violinist Hisonoko said: I have seen Mr. Konosuke Matsushita in the photos a long time ago. He has a very straightforward face and does not look like the president at all.He was sitting in front of me when I was playing at a Panasonic concert, and I was also indifferent, not paying attention to him.I didn't know that he was Mr. Konosuke Matsushita until we had dinner together.I have been with him for 20 years, and I don't have a chance to have a long talk, but his few words are frank and exciting.What impressed me the most was the "coexistence and co-prosperity" on the plaque in the reception room.This sentence is a great inspiration for musicians with a strong sense of self: not to listen to me play, but to create music together with the audience and me, this is the real music. The writer Mitsushiro Matsushita thinks: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is full of Osaka-style flexibility, just like he can skillfully manipulate his delicate physique to ensure longevity.His business method is also good at turning negative signs into positive signs.Although he is the big boss of Panasonic, his daily life is very frugal, and his business card is as simple as that of ordinary employees.However, the content of the conversation is very rich.Even when they met for the first time, he still honestly said what he wanted to say, with a calm and philosophical tone.The world regards him as the "God of Management", but I think it is more appropriate to say that he is a "master of life".A character like this may not appear for a while in the future. The haiku poet Kenkichi Minamimoto praised: Mr. Konosuke Matsushita is one of my most respected seniors in Osaka, because he has three qualities, namely Vitality, Mentality, and Royalty.These qualities manifest themselves in every aspect of his life.In the Panasonic banquet where VIPs gather, there is no cliché; in the TV conversation, he is more sensible and noble under the arrogance of Mr. Sato Eisaku; and in that super busy, he still has so much A very prescient work.For me, who specializes in shaking pens, it is a great encouragement and spur. Osaka Philharmonic Orchestra Asahina Takashi said: I am over 70 years old, and I have been with Mr. Konosuke Matsushita for 30 years, but his ideas and concepts are getting richer every year, which has also formed his unique charm.Ordinary people will use some means to win people's hearts, but he thinks this is extremely boring.Therefore, he can neither bow to authority nor despise others, but can experience something from what sounds meaningless.He once sighed because of his illness and the company's stock price drop: "Ah, my company is still not working!" and deeply reflected.This is the result of his frank observation of things.His spirit has long surpassed the aging of his body.May he continue to grow until he is 90, 100, forever. Historian Nara Honchen also said: After reading "How to Save Japan in Collapse" and "Worry" written by Mr. Konosuke Matsushita, I was very shocked.But why is this kind of vigilance book not written by scholars, but by entrepreneurs with only primary school education?Who is such a Mr. Konosuke Matsushita?When we met for the first time, I almost sighed: "The appearance is really extraordinary." This is a transcendent, all-inclusive, Buddha-like appearance. I can't imagine that he will be the author who gives people a strong impression.At this time, I seemed to find that the upright and strong spirit was contained in that gentle demeanor.Considering that he would say: "Politics, economics or learning, all belong to 'people'; and now in all aspects, people are forgotten." It will not be surprising that he will have such a vision. Critic Masao Ogiya said in admiration: In the awards ceremony of Keizai magazine, every financial leader who gave a speech talked endlessly, which was unbearable.Finally, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita delivered a speech: "Congratulations, I have a cold and my voice is hoarse. My speech ends here. On behalf of everyone present, I also shake hands with the winners and share the honor with everyone." In warm applause What a wise old man this is, and what a powerful sentence "shared honor" is!There are three kinds of flowers in Zeami's "Flower Biography": the flowers of youth are the flowers that are about to bloom; the flowers of middle age are the flowers that bloom after training;He is the hidden flower. Meiji Hashimoto, a member of the Japan Academy of Art, said: I am a countryman, and I eat very fast. Before I went to the tea table at Mr. Konosuke Matsushita's house, my wife warned me sternly for this.At the beginning, Mr. Konosuke Matsushita suddenly said: "Mr. Hashimoto, I eat very fast." This sentence swept away all formality.When I signed the autograph book of his family, he said heartily: "Oh, you have a lot of fun writing this kind of words." The philosophical conversation is unforgettable for me.When I painted his portrait, he thought it inappropriate to talk, so the two of them finished it successfully in a long silence.He is really a careful, rigorous, and caring person; and his other charm is that even if you chat casually, you will be attracted by his philosophical flavor. Norman McRae, deputy editor-in-chief of "The Economist", believes that Henry Ford turned the United States into a "car kingdom", and Mr. Konosuke Matsushita's electrical products and technological innovations have also brought "household revolution" to countries all over the world. Europeans especially perceive three charms of Konosuke Matsushita: the first one is his background.It is amazing that the few successful people in the world have tasted all kinds of hardships.The second is that Westerners are very interested in the fact that Mr. Konosuke Matsushita of Japan has the same characteristics as many European and American leaders in the early days of the industrial revolution.The third is that he revived Japan's tragic defeat in the war with bold determination and the loyalty and love of his employees.This is not easy for European and American leaders to do. After reading the evaluation of Konosuke Matsushita by many people mentioned above, it seems that a living Konosuke Matsushita came to our minds again.Konosuke Matsushita is such a person, an ordinary and ordinary person, a brilliant and great person.The ordinary Konosuke Matsushita has created brilliant achievements, and the ordinary Konosuke Matsushita has shaped a great personality. Although the god-like entrepreneur Konosuke Matsushita has become a historical figure, Matsushita Electric has not stood still. In the early 1990s, Matsushita Electric already had more than 50 business divisions, more than 90 sales offices, 14 research institutes, and more than 60 domestic subsidiaries. The products of Matsushita Electric Industrial Company exceeded 60,000. In 1990, Matsushita Electric acquired MCA Corporation of the United States. In 1991, the basic policy of environmental management (Panasonic Environmental Charter) was established. In 1992, Yoichi Morishita became president and Akio Tani became president. In 1993, the partnership with Philips was terminated. In 1995, Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. and Matsushita Machinery Co., Ltd. merged and transferred 80% of the controlling shares of MCA Corporation of the United States. In 1996, began selling DVD players. In 1997, Matsushita Electric introduced the branch system within the company. In 1999, CCM was introduced (capital cost emphasizes operation and management). In 2000, Masaharu Matsushita became honorary president; Yoichi Morishita became president; Masayuki Matsushita became vice president; Kunio Nakamura became president. In 2001, the "Creation 21 Plan" was launched. In 2002, Panasonic Center was newly established and acquired 100% equity of Matsushita Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. In 2003, the global brand and the global brand slogan were unified as "Panasonic" and "Panasonic ideas for life". The meaning of "ideas for life" is "to create A rich and colorful life and an advanced and beautiful society will continue to provide valuable ideas.” In 2006, Nakamura Kunio became the president; Otsubo Fumio became the president. In January 2007, a 3-year business strategy called "GP3" was proposed. GP3 means "global development, global profit, global Panasonic", and strives to achieve a global sales volume of 10 trillion yen in 2010. On October 1, 2008, Japan's Matsushita Electric Industry unified the company name as "Panasonic", which means "spreading the voice of Panasonic all over the world". On November 7, 2008, Panasonic announced its merger with Sanyo. On August 10, 2009, Panasonic EVOLTA dry battery broke the Guinness World Record for the second time. On December 2, 2009, Panasonic China won the "Bright Project Award." On March 12, 2010, Panasonic & CSPN established a long-term strategic partnership signing ceremony. Panasonic will unify the global brand as "Panasonic", and use "Panasonici deas for life" as the brand slogan, aiming at realizing the ideals of "a networked society scattered all over the world" and "coexisting with the earth's environment", and continuing to improve the cultural life of people all over the world. level to contribute. It was not all smooth sailing for Matsushita Corporation. In 2000, Matsushita Electric was exhausted.Although operating income rose from 6.9 trillion yen in 1995 to 7.6 trillion yen in 1999, operating profit fell from 373.9 billion yen in 1997 to 193.6 billion yen, almost cut in half.In the face of this situation, Kunio Nakamura, who just took office, carried out drastic reforms to Panasonic's bloated business department, and through streamlining products and laying off employees in an orderly manner, Panasonic Electric Industry has come out of the shadow of losses that first appeared in fiscal year 2001. Returned to profitability in fiscal 2003. After Fumio Ohtsubo became the president in 2006, he did two beautiful and courageous things: first, changed the company name from "Panasonic" to "Panasonic", and merged its three brands of Panasonic, International and Panasonic into one, Go global with Panasonic.Second, it spent 800 billion yen to acquire rival Sanyo (Sanyo), which stabilized Panasonic's position in the solar panel and lithium battery market, and jumped to become the world's second largest electronics manufacturer. Matsushita, full of vitality, has been reformed by Kunio Nakamura and Fumio Ohtsubo at the beginning of the 21st century, and it is still standing steadily among the world's largest companies.