スミス英会話奈良西大寺校の講師が書いた記事。日本語はこちらへ
On February 22, 2009 we had our first seminar of the year at Smiths School of English and as always it was a very informative and encouraging presentation by Mark Smith. Several topics were covered such as new developments in the system and the general business outlook for 2009, both the positive and the difficult challenges which lie ahead for the foreseeable future and how these will impact our business.
We are going through some turbulent economic times, no one can argue with that and many indications point to a continuance of this environment, some economists even… pose a pretty strong argument as to why it will get worse before it gets better. It is understandable why listening to the news these days is enough to make some people very concerned about their financial futures.
Having said that, as I sat there at the seminar and looked around at my peers on that Sunday afternoon I must say that I felt a certain calm, a certain assurance that regardless of what the future brought to me as pertaining to my business, I am not in the challenge alone.
I felt tremendously secure that I would never find myself alone wondering what to do if my business fell on hard times or was not performing to my expectations.
During good times we often neglect to pay attention to others advice but during hard times, we are desperate for advice. The reason why I felt secure on that Sunday afternoon is because I am a member of the most dedicated, best organized and most devoted team of English teachers in Japan.
TEAM is paramount in any venture these days, anywhere in the world and anyone who knows anything at all about Japan will tell you that nowhere is this more necessary than in Japan.
In Japan success is achieved through TEAMwork.
TEAM ratifies individual and when it comes to TEAM, the bigger the better.
The nostalgic days of the “Lone Ranger” and the “small posse” are over. That business mentality will not get you very far these days and as a “Lone Ranger” you will never stand a chance against the well organized TEAM; never.
Another emotion I felt at that seminar is relief. Relief that I would never have to compete against these individuals in this industry.
Relief that they are on my TEAM and that together we can harness our collective energy and ideas into challenging any difficulty. Relief that I am plugged into the tremendous resources only available through a dedicated, focused and well-organized TEAM.
I am a proud member of the Smiths School of English TEAM and I feel secure in knowing that each member in this TEAM is concerned about both our collective and individual successes.
Alex Stanciu
アレックス スタンシュー
Smith’s School of English Nara – Saidaiji
月謝制 の スミス 英会話 奈良 - 西大寺校
http://www.smithweb.co.jp/school/saidaiji.shtml 英会話 西大寺 奈良市
Al Bartle says
Alex,
I missed the seminar this time but thanks to you, Adrian and Edward, I was filled in about the contents. This fact in itelf is a testament to the value of TEAM. I too feel so much better to be a part of this team. We really learn a lot from each other and support each other. You know the post about Derek helping John in Kawanishi to do flyering was another great example of this. Wow! You know maybe now is the best time for people in Japan to work on their English, it can only help to improve your skills in tough economic times like we are seeing now. The message on my new sign, I think, is a good one: 英会話力はどの会社にとっても当たり前になって来ています。今こそスキルアップが必要です。就職活動の為に、あなたの将来の為に、英語を身につけましょう。さあ今日からスタート!
I truly believe that Smith’s School of English is the very best school for Japanese students in any economic environment, because we really care about our students.
スミス英会話岡本校
アル・バートル、オーナーと主教師
les says
Hi Alex,
I read your post with interest, since I was at the meeting (asyou know). I agree with you and thought the phrase ‘in the challenge zone’ might also be expressed as ‘in the firing zone’. I think we still have challenges, if only how to maintain our current levels and provide excellent service before the ever changing market catches up with us.
-Les
Derek says
Alex,
That is very true. I feel much more secure being part of our TEAM. We can look after each other and get through even the most difficult times together. I too am a proud member.
Derek
SSE Tsukaguchi