What do you want to do when you come back to Japan?

Mr. F is an electrical engineer who has been stationed in ISOWA America since the spring of 2018. Originally, he had planned to return to Japan when he finished his term, and as Mr. Y takes over his position this past spring. However, Mr. F’s term was extended for six months due to some shortage of staffing as the business in the U.S. is doing well.

Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. F had not been able to return to Japan for quite a long time. So, I had him return to Japan as summer vacation for his best work for the remaining few months in the States. Even when he was finally able to return to Japan, he was 　required to quarantine for two weeks. When he arrived at Kansai International Airport, his father picked him up by car, and they went straight to his parents' house on Awaji Island.   He stayed home, quarantined, for two whole weeks.

It is almost time for him to return to America. Before he left, Mr. F visited the ISOWA office. After listening to him about his work in the United States, I thought, "This is an opportunity to challenge him" and intentionally asked, "What kind of work do you want to try when you come back with your experiences in the United States?" I said that because I also wanted him to have a purpose for the remaining months of his stay.

He said, "I have been thinking about this," as he showed me a document that was summarized in six pages. He already had his thoughts and immediately showed them in a document. 　　He was one step ahead of me…

I was impressed. It may sound easy, but not many people can do it. 

Furthermore, what he wanted to do was a convincing theme, so I was even more amazed.  How wonderful! I didn’t want my surprise to seem disrespectful to him.

I talked to other members about this right away and held a quick meeting.

I told him, "Don't say ‘when I return to Japan’, please share your suggestions even while you are in the United States."

Oh, of course, all of us were wearing masks during these conversations.

 

Mr. F has become even tougher in three years.

I'm really looking forward to his future success!