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The schemer plots three times [11]Plotting Makes Work Interesting
Satoshi Umeda
There are no inherently interesting jobs in this world.
Only those made interesting through effort and scheming.
This was the opening comment I used to share every year during training sessions for new employees.
I believe that when you first take on any job, it's often like a problem child piled high with challenges, seemingly impossible to solve. The only path left is to scheme and transform it into something useful and enjoyable for many people.
If you ever find yourself thinking, "That person has such an interesting job, I wish I could do that," then you need to make the effort to make your own work interesting.
The essence of scheming is finding joy in the struggle.
Planning projects may be just another job.
However, scheming transcends the category of work; it is an attitude that enjoys solving problems and can be said to be a way of life itself.
If you only do what's correct because it's work, you might be able to arrive at the right answer without anyone questioning it.
On the other hand, you must be acutely aware that the output of that work carries the risk of being ignored, loved by no one.
If you create something that goes beyond a simple "Ah, I see!" to a genuine "Wow, that's how it is!", people who genuinely say "Nice!" will inevitably appear. Seeing the world's reactions directly through social media boosts your motivation. Naturally, making work interesting takes time, and the hardships and mental strain never cease...
And above all, work that once felt like someone else's problem becomes your own. By scheming, a plan can become endlessly better and more interesting.
You come to truly feel how free work can be, and how many people genuinely enjoy the projects born from that free thinking. I even feel that the ability to scheme might be the dividing line between a company employee and a true professional.
Only passion and the depth of your thinking can change someone's heart.
The fundamentals of scheming are truly simple.
Set a vision you aim for, then redefine the gap between that and the current state as the challenge.
Then, devise a plan to solve that challenge. Take time to scheme. Scheme with your team.
At its core lies a tangible desire: to make those close to you happy, to bring smiles to their faces, to improve the world. The reason is simple. What we call the "market" is nothing more than a group of people living their lives—and those people are ourselves and those beside us.
However, when working, you may face invisible walls that block your scheming (Part 1 & Part 2) and feel discouraged.
"Because it's work, I must be serious and never make mistakes."
"They won't understand anyway." "It doesn't matter what I propose."
"Such highbrow proposals won't resonate."
When I hear such voices or these thoughts arise, I remind myself:
"The fact remains that the people who choose and accept proposals are always others. But that doesn't mean our job as planners is just to get proposals approved. It's to move the world. Only our passion and the depth of our thinking can gradually change others' hearts."
Of course, there are many parts you must overcome alone. Strong individuals are what make a strong team, but the team itself becomes a source of emotional support to overcome hardships together.
And a good team also strengthens each individual member.
Colleagues with whom you can brainstorm and challenge each other about what you truly want to do are worthy of being called comrades. Whether such comrades exist in your current workplace or environment is uncertain.
But one thing is certain: what you should do is not to judge others, but to fearlessly bring your unique self to your work. If you do that, true allies will naturally gather around you. You might even draw out the genuine commitment from someone you thought was just a colleague, turning them into a true ally. Ultimately, only you can change another person's heart.
Through this process of trial and error, you will grow closer to becoming a true planner. It is an undeniable fact that as more such people emerge, both companies and society become more vibrant.
The keyword is "scheme."
The resolve to keep generating "Oh, that's how it is!" moments transforms into the power to propel yourself, your team, and the world forward.
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Author
Satoshi Umeda
Graduated from the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Sophia University. Engages in diverse activities including product development, magazine serialization, and providing music to artists alongside advertising production. Received over 30 domestic and international awards including Cannes Lions, Good Design Award, and the Japan Tourism Agency Director-General's Commendation. Author of books such as "Planners Scheme Three Times" (Nikkei Publishing). Media appearances include NHK's Ohayo Nippon, TBS's Hiruobi!, and Yahoo! Top. Ranked in the top 10 copywriters by the CM Research Institute in both 2014 and 2015. Visiting Researcher at Yokohama City University's Department of International Urban Studies. Left Dentsu Inc. in 2018.