The "seven" things that person working at Zeals is doing - Yuko Kondo -
The protagonist this time is Yuko Kondo, a communication designer at Zeals, who, despite being a fresh graduate in her second year, is highly sought after for various projects. Meetings she attends progress based on a series of stories, leading to fewer digressions in the discussions. Internal members highly regard the clarity with which all the agendas that need to be decided are addressed.
Born and raised in Chiba Prefecture, she started dancing in elementary school and was dedicated to dance as a leader in the dance club at university. With a strong sense of responsibility and competitiveness, she has valued the attitude of 'hearing from others,' asking team managers about the secrets to the strengths of competitive teams to improve her nationwide ranking.
Referencing business books, she reached her job-hunting goal through thorough self-analysis. When imagining herself in a job that sells high-value items to achieve the goal of maximizing her market value in the shortest time, she lost confidence in being able to say she enjoys her work. What kind of working style did she find at Zeals?
Stating, 'I want to become like a savior for Zeals someday,' she continues to seek a working style that suits her, even after becoming a mother. After declining an offer from a real estate company, she confidently claims that she found Zeals, where 'the future I aim for and the company's aim resonate,' and decided to join. This delves into Yuko Kondo's seven rules.
Yuko Kondo
From Chiba Prefecture. In the second year after graduation. After graduating from the Faculty of Commerce at Chuo University, I joined Zeals, resonating with the realization of a will-based society and its vision. As a communication designer, I have been part of several teams that launch new businesses, gaining strong trust from both inside and outside the company. I am also focused on organizational culture initiatives at Zeals, and I have built a strong trust among foreign members with my self-designed presentation style that incorporates both English and Japanese.
[Yuko Kondo's 7 Rules]
1. Never skip thorough preparation for meetings
In order to reach a conclusion aligned with the objectives within the time frame, brainstorm the agenda and create a story to guide the meeting beforehand. Confirm the participants and, if there's no prior information, check the relevant Slack channel so you can follow the discussions. During the meeting, proactively take minutes and ensure they are completed on time. If there are participants you've met for the first time in a meeting, it is also essential to send them a follow-up message individually.
2. Add a touch of creativity to text communication
In a remote work environment, communication via text, primarily through Slack, is common, but it’s important not to forget consideration for busy colleagues. Depending on urgency and importance, I ensure the text has varying weights, frames, and colors to help the other person grasp the main points. Since Geals has many foreign team members, when communicating company-wide, I utilize simultaneous Japanese and English and cute emojis to maintain a warm, engaging communication style.
3. Utilize Google Calendar for task management
I prefer taking notes by hand, but for task management, I register everything in Google Calendar and a privately created spreadsheet. In Google Calendar, I clearly state, 'I will do this at this time,' and inform other members. To facilitate meeting invitations, I note in parentheses (Meeting OK) so as to avoid focusing solely on individual work. By the deadline, I impose my own rules to progress tasks methodically while making use of tools.
4. Learn from strong individuals and incorporate their methods
While working, there are times when I feel regret for not meeting expectations; in those moments, I try to imagine how someone else might respond or seek the methods from those who might have had similar experiences. The psychological stability provided by having colleagues who assist with even the most difficult questions is quite high. Additionally, I search for keywords on YouTube or skim through business books as part of my learning process.
5. Cry hard when times are tough
When it gets really tough, crying and then sleeping is fundamental. If that doesn’t solve the issue, I talk to my mother over the phone. She always ends our conversation with 'It’s okay,' which often leaves me feeling better afterward. There are often aspects of overthinking or assumptions, so my mother’s presence is invaluable.
6. Do not create role models
I think, 'I want to have children, become a mother, and keep working. I want to be a person who can earn and live on my own,' but I don’t have a specific role model. I feel fulfilled by expanding people's possibilities, and my desire to create such a world led me to decline an offer from a real estate company and join Geals with no regrets. I want to live a life that makes those around me think, 'This way of living is also valid.'
7. Never forget the spirit of 'hospitality' towards everyone
There have been more opportunities to meet with job seekers and similar individuals, and I strive to convey my genuine self. Additionally, I make an effort to directly communicate the positive aspects I perceive during our meetings. When I go to the office, there are many members I meet for the first time, so I actively approach them to start conversations. There have been times when my colleagues have said, 'She is a wonderful example of hospitality,' and I aspire to be someone who can put these words into action.
