One of the most thought provoking business authors that I have come across recently is Daniel Pink. He has written a lot of very good thought provoking books like “A Whole New Mind: Why Right Brainers Will Rule the Future,” which explains how we are going towards a creative economy. But one of his most intriguing and most creative works is a book written in a format that many young people will understand, Manga.
Manga is a Japanese style of comics that is very popular among the young. Daniel wrote a manga style comic entitled, “The adventures of Johnny Bunko, the last career guide you will ever need.” It contains six simple lessons woven into the story of an employee who tries to do his best in his career but ends up frustrated. He feels that he is stuck in a job and a life where he has no control. He accidentally finds a pair of magic chopsticks that summons a “genie” who gives his advice on business and life.
Before you dismiss this, think about the credentials of the author. Daniel Pink is a graduate of Yale Law School and a New York Times Bestseller author as well as being a former speechwriter of U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Johnny Bunko has launched a whole new philosophy of living life and getting ahead with even contests being held on trying to find what the 7th lesson should be. The book’s lessons has been used for a lot of college commencement speeches on teaching young people what is important.
I would like to share with you the six lessons as well as my simple interpretation on it:
1. There is no plan. – We spend so much time and energy making a grand life plan and get very frustrated when it doesn’t happen. Life was not meant to be lived with precision, enjoy it. Don’t be afraid to discover or go out of your comfort zone. Your life might take a very interesting turn. Go after something you are passionate about.
2. Think strengths not weaknesses. – Don’t obsess or let others perpetually tell you what you lack or cannot do. Go with what you are strong with. Pursue your talents.
3. It’s not about you. – Go out of your way to help others. Don’t just think about what you want. Help others, be part of a team.
4. Persistence trumps talent. – Not everyone is born with supreme talent, hard work will allow us to offset the advantages of others more talented.
5. Make excellent mistakes. – Everybody says learn from mistakes but before that choose the type of mistakes that you make. Take educated risks and not foolish ones.
6. Leave an imprint. – Make an impact on every situation you find yourself in.
What do you think? Pick up a copy of Johnny Bunko and find out how you interpret its lessons.
Speaking of manga and cartoons, local entrepreneur Wilson Ng also launched a comic book centered on the lessons learned in business by eNGy. It is an insightful and humorous look into many business situations that can be best described as “Only in the Philippines.” It incorporates many lessons and situations that were learned in over 20 years of being in business.
Let’s follow the examples of these ordinary individuals as they strive to make a difference. Each week, let’s all get together and share knowledge, stories, experiences, and information, all for the sole purpose of getting One Step Up.
For comments, suggestions or stories that you want to share, email me at stirspecialist@gmail.com, or visit www.stirspecialist.blogspot.com