"The Shokunin Spirit: A Lesson in Excellence and Community Building"

"The Shokunin Spirit: A Lesson in Excellence and Community Building"

I fell in love with Japanese culture very early in life after exposure to sushi, anime, and electronics made in Japan. Japan has what must be the most efficient and orderly airport I’ve ever passed through. Japanese culture embodies what it means to take pride in every aspect of your work, no matter what job you perform. The Japanese apprentice is taught that shokunin means not only having technical skills but also implies an attitude and social consciousness. The shokunin has a social obligation to work his/her best for the general welfare of the people. This obligation is both spiritual and material, in that no matter what it is, the shokunin’s responsibility is to fulfill the requirement.” — Tasio Odate.

In the same spirit of excellence and dedication to one's craft, the concept of community building also requires a similar attitude and commitment. In a recent article, Ken Sū discussed the importance of managing communities and highlighted key points to ensure the success of community services. He emphasized the distinction between "packet-style" and "grooming-style" communication within a community.

Communication, as Sū suggests, is essentially a line of connection between individuals. However, a community is more like a network, where even if some members do not actively participate in conversations, the community can still thrive. Communication can be categorized into two types: "packet-style," where the content of the information is crucial, and "grooming-style," which resembles the grooming behavior observed in monkeys. In grooming-style communication, the focus lies in establishing a sense of trust and connection among community members.

When building a community, it is important to determine which type of communication is desired. If the goal is to foster a strong sense of connection among members, grooming-style communication is essential. This type of communication values the bond between individuals and may not necessarily require substantial content. It could be as simple as listening to others or receiving agreement and support from fellow community members.

Communities can be classified into three main categories: those centered around a specific theme, such as a parenting community, those centered around individuals, like online salons, and those centered around content, such as YouTube channels. However, most communities initially struggle to gain traction and engagement. To overcome this hurdle, it is crucial to create a sense of "hito-ki" or a crowd within the community. Additionally, providing accessible entry points for participation is vital to encourage a diverse range of members.

Differentiating the community from external sources is another key aspect. For instance, platforms like 2channel have their unique jargon and culture, making it clear who belongs to the community. This sense of identity reinforces the feeling of belonging and fosters a stronger bond among members.

Moreover, the speed of response plays a significant role in effective communication within a community. A delay of one hour in responding to messages would be considered unusual. Timely interactions help maintain the flow of conversation and engagement among members.

However, it is important to avoid allowing a few long-standing members to dominate the community. These individuals, although highly dedicated and contributing, can inadvertently lead to the decline of the community. Online communities often face the challenge of stagnation due to the lack of turnover and fresh perspectives. It is crucial to prevent this by not falling into the trap of restricting or excluding disruptive individuals. Instead, finding a balance between maintaining order and encouraging diversity is key to long-term community success.

Lastly, it is essential to strike a balance between making the community engaging and avoiding burnout. While it may be tempting to create an environment that keeps members hooked for hours on end, it is necessary to consider the sustainability of this level of enthusiasm. Communities that become too intense may eventually fizzle out due to exhaustion. Thus, moderation and ensuring a healthy level of engagement is vital.

In conclusion, building and maintaining a successful community involves embodying the shokunin spirit of excellence and dedication. By fostering strong connections, providing accessible entry points, and maintaining a balanced and engaging environment, community managers can create thriving spaces that fulfill the needs and aspirations of its members. So, whether you're a shokunin honing your craft or a community manager tending to your virtual park, remember that success lies in the commitment to your work and the welfare of the people you serve.