In a recent discussion with a visionary CEO, the question about executing the company’s strategic plan over the past year elicited a response that stood out from the norm. Instead of recounting tales of frustration and setbacks, the CEO expressed that her company’s strategy was “flowing.”
This unique perspective led me to revisit the Japanese concept of Ikigai, a term I became acquainted with during my tenure at Hitachi. Traditionally viewed as a personal pursuit, this conversation inspired me to explore the potential application of Ikigai at a broader, organizational level.
Ikigai, at its core, is the harmonious alignment of one’s passion, proficiency, societal need, and financial compensation. Could this not be the pinnacle of organizational achievement? While seldom explicitly acknowledged, successful companies often find themselves on a trajectory toward realizing an organizational Ikigai.
Culture at the Core
Beyond the mechanical aspects of strategy formulation and task execution lies the indispensable foundation of culture. Ikigai is a key ingredient in this cultural alchemy, a catalyst for success. The CEO I spoke with invested considerable effort in cultivating an organizational culture reflective of Ikigai, though unknowingly. This involved creating an environment where employees could shape their ideal work lifestyles, fostering a healthy work-life balance and promoting robust social connections with colleagues and clients. Every cultural initiative undertaken was geared toward ensuring employee enjoyment of their work.
A relentless focus on strategy is the starting point, but strategy alone is insufficient. When strategy converges with a sense of purpose, a culture that produces tangible results can be cultivated. In the CEO’s case, the desired culture didn’t materialize on its own; she meticulously implemented actions to align it with her strategic vision. This culture evolved into a strategic tool of immense value, rivaling—if not surpassing— any key performance indicators (KPIs) she set.
Organizational Flow
So what did the CEO mean by “flow”? In Ikigai, “flow” represents a state of complete immersion in an activity, a concept applicable not only to individuals but also to organizations. Organizational flow materializes when strategy aligns seamlessly with the company’s vision, and activities at all levels are intrinsically rewarding. Clear, challenging, and wellcommunicated goals cascade down through the organization, placing emphasis not only on achieving these goals but also on the systems supporting them. Autonomy and collaboration flourish, creating an environment where employees experience euphoric stress—a blend of busyness and productivity. Within this euphoria, a serene confidence emerges, knowing the company operates as a harmonized entity.
If this notion strikes you as spiritual, it is because it is. Your organizational culture becomes your competitive advantage, and finding meaning in work lies at its core. Crafting such a culture demands a mindful approach, and pursuing a corporate Ikigai is a noble endeavor that aligns both purpose and performance.
A Multifaceted Journey
The journey toward organizational Ikigai is a multifaceted one. It requires a deliberate effort to integrate passion, proficiency, societal impact, and financial sustainability into the fabric of the company. It involves fostering a culture where each employee’s unique Ikigai contributes to the overall synergy of the organization. This alignment is an ongoing, dynamic process that requires continuous attention and adaptation.
Beyond the initial stages of strategy formulation and goal setting, the emphasis on cultivating a culture that aligns with Ikigai serves as a compass guiding the organization through the complexities of execution. It becomes a rallying point for employees, a shared understanding that transcends individual tasks and fosters a collective sense of purpose.
The concept of “flow” within Ikigai adds another layer to this narrative. As individuals experience flow when fully immersed in an activity, organizations, too, can achieve a state of flow. This involves the seamless integration of strategy, vision, and daily activities, creating an environment where employees are not just meeting objectives but are deeply engaged in a fulfilling journey. The goals set are not mere targets but representations of a shared vision, communicated effectively and cascaded through the organization.
In this state of organizational flow, the focus extends beyond the end goals to the systems supporting them. The emphasis on autonomy and team collaboration creates a balanced dynamic where employees experience both the busyness and productivity associated with euphoric stress. The awareness that the company operates as a harmonized entity fosters a sense of calm confidence, reinforcing the belief that organizational success is not a series of isolated achievements but a continuous, cohesive effort.
This perspective underscores the profound connection between culture, purpose, and performance. In the pursuit of Ikigai at the organizational level, leaders embark on a noble journey to infuse meaning into every facet of work.
Purpose-Driven Leadership
Ultimately, the integration of Ikigai into leadership development and organizational culture represents a paradigm shift from traditional models of strategy execution to purpose-driven leadership.
As leaders, let us embrace Ikigai’s potential to unlock the full spectrum of human capital, fostering a culture where passion, proficiency, societal impact, and financial sustainability converge seamlessly, propelling our organizations toward sustained success.
