AKEBONO REPORT 2014

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however, that the commemorative events will help all of them hopefor an even brighter future.Shirata: I feel that not every job assignment directly benefitssomeone or something and I assume other associates feel thesame way. I happen to believe, however, that it is important tofocus on the positive aspects of any job assignment, no matter thetype of task to be done. Frankly speaking, until I joined the projectI had little interest in the 85th anniversary events. However, as Ibecame more engaged in this project, rather than passively waitingto “do what I am told,” I came to adopt a more proactive approachto all my work. I’m glad that I was given a chance to think aboutmy duties and the Company’s future more proactively.Ono: Looking back on my pre-project working life, I can see I wasletting myself be swamped by day-to-day concerns. Overwhelmed,I couldn’t see into the future any further than a year or two, andthinking about how my career might develop over the years untilretirement was impossible. Since joining the project, however, Ihave developed a more forward-thinking approach. Specifically,even as I celebrate the 85th anniversary, I am able to cast an eyetoward the centennial to come and have developed a vision of howmy career should look 15 years from now. I have broken this visiondown into small short-term goals for six months from now, a year,two years, five years and so forth. This also allows me to determinemonthly targets. Thanks to the project, I have become far moreproactive, and now enjoy tackling daily operations.Sakuma: Of course, organizing project activities often involvesaddressing challenging problems. But organizing a major event is arare and invaluable experience. Moreover, I was positively affectedby my fellow project members, who are brilliant, forward-thinkingand highly motivated. What I have learned from them is priceless,for each is playing an important role at their respective businesssite. It is inspiring to be exposed to so many very unique and innovativeperspectives, an experience I would never have had if I’dstayed confined to my own turf.Seko: If I’d never ventured out of finance and accounting affairs, I,too, would have had little chance to get to know these project membersfrom various age groups. Now, we are comfortable chattingtogether and giving each other counsel whenever troubles arise.I’m so glad to have this kind of comradery. It’s a big change for me.Ishii: Not only did involvement in the project boost my motivation,it made me aware of how important it is to maintain a smoothworking relationship and communications with those around me.This is especially important for me as my regular duties in humanresources and general affairs necessarily involve direct contact withmany other associates. As ilook back now at how good I was inthe past at “getting colleagues involved,” I find that I have beenfailing for years. Indeed, the project gave me an opportunity toreflect on how to develop my competencies as a whole while helpingme to achieve personal growth. I’m so grateful to be a part ofa project that exposed me to various different perspectives andways of thinking.Hayashi: My job entails communicating the instructions of directors,general managers and managers to my junior colleagues.However, there had been times when I would wonder whether Ifully understood my supervisors’ intentions and how to accuratelyconvey them. Thanks to its nonhierarchical structure, this projectteam provided me with a chance to develop the skills needed tounderstand a wide variety of viewpoints. This, in turn, helped todeepen my understanding of other perspectives when engagingwith my supervisors as well as senior and junior colleagues.Toward Our Centennial?Looking 15 Years into the FutureImaizumi: I want Akebono to become a company with an evenmore ambitious corporate culture. I would like to see the Companygrowing and evolving into a manufacturer that surprises and inspiresusers by creating innovative products utilized in every aspect ofdaily life and business, even in places where you least expect it. In15 years, I’ll be only five years from retirement. Nevertheless, I wishto grow as a person in unison with the Company. The projectenabled me to adopt a new approach toward work as iengagedwith fellow members with different backgrounds and this positivelyaffected my views. I want to grow constantly, taking every littlechance for self-improvement. In this way, I hope someday to play akey role in the Company.Fiebig: I will be in my mid-40s in 15 years. Before then, I would liketo rise to a more responsible position managing a major project.Although Akebono has a number of strengths, it still has oppotunitiesTo mark the 85th anniversary, we produced polo-shirts designed in collaboration withTeam McLaren, a world-leading Formula One racing team. McLaren’s logo andAkebono’s 85th anniversary symbol are printed on the chest.

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