Joseph's "Just My Thoughts"

There exist two categories of leaders: those who prioritize individuals and those who prioritize circumstances. Which category do you fall into? Leaders who prioritize circumstances may easily overlook the needs of individuals, driven by an underlying fear of adverse outcomes impacting them. Ultimately, those who favor circumstances above individuals exhibit a tendency to prioritize self-protection over the welfare of those they lead. In contrast, leaders who prioritize individuals, even amidst challenging situations, demonstrate the qualities of exemplary leadership. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Crisis overcoming and development both begin with “what I have,” not “what I have lost.” “What I have” consists of [everything I possess now, including what I lent to others] minus [what I’ve borrowed from others], [what I’ve inherited], [what I’ve received as gifts], and [what I’ve taken unlawfully]. [What I have] + [What I’ve inherited] + [What I’ve received as gifts] is referred to as [own assets] or [net assets], which includes [something I borrowed], and subtracting [something stolen] in my possession, it is called [asset]. To pay off the liabilities (debts), you must have [net assets] or possess [something I borrowed from others]. The only other way to do this is to repay with [something I stole]. The ultimate goal of any business activity is to acquire [assets]. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Let’s say I’m a potato farmer. Assuming that I can survive by eating only potatoes, I become wealthy when I work hard to increase potato production. However, to survive, we also need shelter and clothing. No matter how much money we have, we cannot eat the money itself as food. In other words, exchange is vital for survival. This means that if we have to rely on one job, we can only survive by trading needs, apart from potatoes, with other producers, using the output we gain from that job. In an agricultural society, production determined wealth, but in a modern society where industrial products have taken the place of other needs, the greater the potential for exchange between ourselves and others, the more advantageous it is for survival and the greater the potential for wealth. This is known as the power of distribution. The more sales channels you have, the stronger your business competitiveness and market influence. The ability to sell a lot is paramount. - Joseph’s “just my thoug...

Some people consider “what I have” to be “property,” like “money.” In other words, “All of Mine” = [All my things] - [All I have inherited] - [All I have received as gifts] - [All of the others] - [All I have stolen]. By the way, while there is wealth among [mine], temperament and ability are also crucial resources, in addition to properties such as talent, networks, sincerity, perseverance, attitude, intimacy, determination, courage, wit, and wisdom. Escaping crises and fostering development must begin with “All of Mine.” The success and progress made by [All of the others] is an illusion. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Even though $1 million of one’s own money and $1 million of others’ money are numerically the same, their characteristics will differ significantly. In other words, while money is represented numerically, it serves various purposes, and its usage remains unexpressed when distributed in the market. Money is accounted for to illustrate this situation because the purpose of its use is more significant than the number (amount). Specifically, double-entry bookkeeping is the most reliable method for reflecting both the amount and its use. Therefore, if a CEO doesn’t understand double-entry bookkeeping, it is akin to managing blindly. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The only things that have adapted to the market are “products or services.” Any product or service on the market undergoes an adaptation process involving customers and distributors. Not adapting to the market is merely an idea. Adaptation is great, not brilliant ideas. Anything that attempts to distribute something to the market survives only when it has been adapted successfully. Adaptation involves adjusting, improving, deleting, and organizing. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

What does it mean to be good at work? First, you need to understand your priorities well. Priorities are shaped by self-worth and circumstances. The priority is to have empathy, even when there isn’t a clear correct answer. In this world, there’s a correct path that most people acknowledge. It reflects the common values that humanity has agreed upon over time. Second, you need to identify the key point. The point is that even if you eliminate other factors, you should never remove them. Third, everything must align with your purpose. There’s a reason behind everything you do. And finally, you must maintain trust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

One reason for the Dutch’s wealth was the strong trust between the merchants and sailors responsible for trade. Captain Willem Barentsz failed in 1596 while attempting to open a northeast route to the Far East via Novaya Zemlya in the Arctic Ocean. An accident occurred in which 8 out of 18 sailors died after being trapped in glaciers at temperatures of -40 degrees for 8 months, marking a setback for the development of a new maritime route. However, the captain and crew did not disturb the cargo, and on June 13, 1597, they split into two small ships and escaped the glacier. Fifty days later, they were rescued by a Russian merchant ship. Captain Barentsz died on the journey home, but the crew returned the consigned cargo to its owners intact after getting home. Trust means taking your life as collateral. Business is built on this trust. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Credit not only reduces costs and expenses, but it also boosts revenues; none of the economic resources compares to this. According to World Bank senior researchers Stephen Knack and Philip Keefer, a 10% increase in the confidence index would lead to an average annual economic growth rate increase of 0.8%. Individuals who lack trust and only seek financial gain are more likely to be ruined by money. While credit is an abstract concept, we must not forget that it remains one of the few valuable assets influencing our lives. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

How do AIs learn? For humans to learn, they must first express their will. In AI, the flow of electricity takes the place of human will. AI learning involves recording, comparing, and making decisions; currently, computation is the only necessity. Humans learn through similar pathways and mechanisms, but the importance of expressing will tends to be essential in human history. People often respect those who excel at learning, as it is not easy to demonstrate will. However, AI substitutes all entities with symbols of electrons and operations instead of will. Doesn’t placing too much value on the will actually impede human learning? Learning stems from comparison and decision-making. Management functions similarly. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

It’s a problem if you don’t make steady progress little by little every day; it’s not about whether your abilities are good or bad. Not everyone is the same, but often, quantity influences quality. The effort can be small and shouldn’t be overwhelming at once; regular and steady efforts are key. Therefore, you won’t be able to maintain that pattern under a heavy burden, but finding enjoyment is still possible. If few or no people can give me $100,000 a year, it’s more realistic to aim for $100,000 by having 1,000 people contribute 100 USD each year. Consistency is the only way to expand your inherent capabilities. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Solomon’s wisdom, demonstrated when he ruled by proposing to divide a living infant with a sword in order to reveal the baby’s true mother and a false one, was notable because nothing truly happened when he suggested dividing the infant. The application of wisdom out of context in this scenario renders wisdom tragic. The difference between a wise man and an evil man can often come down to a piece of paper. Had the real mother’s reaction to Solomon’s judgment been ignored and executed immediately, history might have depicted Solomon as the most evil tyrant in the world. We would easily forget the distinction represented by that piece of paper. Wisdom is the intuition that accurately perceives the unseen context in a given situation. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

It’s not that humans can simply throw it away or empty it because they possess something; instead, they exchange what is outside of them with what is inside of them. If you discard it, you will receive it. The people just don’t understand this law. To obtain what’s beneficial for you, you need to care for your surroundings. This is why self-management is essential. Not discarding—meaning trying to gain without exchanging—is referred to as greed or avarice. The heavier object in the swamp sinks faster. Escape from a crisis comes not from giving up, but from the exchange. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

An effort is not meaningless in itself, but it does not guarantee progress. Instead, progress is a result of time. Effort leads to progress over time. At this point, there’s a premise: time-flow! Some things can only be seen with age. The passage of time transforms both the world and myself. I simply need to make an effort to adapt to the world’s changes. After all, effort equates to persistence. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

To achieve what humans desire, they must first tackle the tasks they are reluctant to face. If you wish to live simply, you need to organize the chaotic and complex aspects of life. It’s akin to cooking, even when it feels bothersome, to enjoy a delicious meal. Yet, we often prefer to eat only what others have prepared. If you solely seek comfort and immediate gratification, you’ll depend only on luck and chance. Some people aren’t familiar with the concept of earning their due, even when the price is offered, and it can understandably be challenging to compensate the right person. These individuals often act as if they don’t own a car, merely waiting for a bus. It’s better to have a car owner who can drive them wherever and whenever they desire, even if driving involves hard work, rather than simply waiting for a ride. Taking initiative in life is a privilege reserved for those willing to endure inconvenience and who can afford to pay the price. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

The advice to concentrate on one thing instead of trying to excel at many is valid, as it’s also challenging to master a single skill. If you neglect the other essential background abilities necessary to enhance that one skill, you will be unable to overcome your limitations. For a top-level skill to thrive, the supporting average abilities for that skill must also develop concurrently. Concentration should not be an excuse to avoid or ignore what’s important. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

I believe it’s accurate to say that “branding is about suggesting a way of life.” Instead of just stating, “Buy ice cream,” it’s more meaningful to say, “Buy ice cream for the children waiting for their dad at home.” It’s about suggesting a lifestyle, not merely a product. It’s better to imply, “You can enjoy a warm meal with your loved one after a while,” rather than simply saying, “Come to our restaurant.” The definition, role, and function of branding evolve as times change. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

A truly great leader does not believe he is perfect, nor does he need to be. In fact, recognizing his imperfections allows him to connect with others and fosters humility, which helps him collaborate effectively with colleagues. Rather than achieving remarkable successes alone within the organization, a leader who strives to thrive alongside his team— even if progress is slower— cultivates a more cohesive organization. Ultimately, this approach strengthens the organizational culture, empowering it to withstand crises. People cannot excel at everything, nor do they need to. Recognizing this reality is a key aspect of effective leadership. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Organizations with perfect leaders clearly achieve results. People might assume that such leadership is excellent due to its accomplishments. However, a perfect leader makes decisions only within the limits of their knowledge and does not propose or challenge areas they do not comprehend. After all, a perfect leader shouldn’t fail. As a result, only yes-men surround the perfect leader, while those who disagree tend to leave the organization. What will remain for that leader in 10 or 20 years from such success? - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”

Business isn’t about making an idea come true; it’s about validating it. No ideas or plans are perfect from the beginning. The market’s reaction develops and refines the idea over time. Many individuals mistakenly believe that a business idea will be perfect if they tinker with it repeatedly or that this will enhance their chances of success through their efforts. We may not know ourselves well, but how should we know our business intimately? Don’t gamble; try, correct, and adapt quickly. A business doesn’t start with knowledge; rather, knowledge is gained through starting. So, begin by breaking it down into smaller parts from the outset. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”