Putting the “Zen” in Kaizen.

You might have noticed that the official name of this blog is “Kaizen.”

“Kaizen” is a Japanese business philosophy of “continuous improvement of working practices, and personal efficiency.” We deeply believe in this philosophy and do our best to apply it in our daily business and personal lives. Kaizen comes from the Japanese words ? (“kai”) which means “change” or “to correct,” and ? (“zen”) which means “good.” It can be loosely translated as “to change and make good.”  But what really inspired this post, is the amazingly beautiful documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi” in which an 85-year-old Jiro Ono relentlessly pursues his lifelong quest to create the perfect piece of sushi. Mr. Ono, a world-renowned sushi chef, is the owner of Sukiyabashi Jiro, a 10-seat, sushi-only, three-star Michelin Guide eatery. The restaurant is located in a Tokyo subway station. Reservations have to be made months in advance. A 15-minute meal (if you are a fast eater) can easily cost close to $400 per person.

The movie, as well as the unceasing quest for Kaizen, is a meditation on work and family, collaboration and the art of perfection, on doing what you love, and loving what you do.

Do you consistently seek to improve yourself and become a better professional?