The author of this book helped Muji, a large Japanese retailer, turn their business around in just two years, not only bringing them out of the red, but also allowing them to reach record sales numbers more than once. In this book, he explains how to meet large goals with small, simple steps.

I can’t make achievements in areas of interest.
There are many disturbances and issues surrounding me.
I can’t get important work done well.
I don’t get along with my subordinates.
I can’t make time for myself.

This book is for those who feel this way.

The book follows Tadamitsu Matsui through his career with Muji as he held various positions including project manager, section manager, department head, managing director and, finally, company president. After becoming president, he worked to rebuild Muji into the success that it is today. This book gives insights into the difficulties and failures he experienced along the way and describes the resulting “work philosophy” that Mr. Matsui now incorporates into his business.

– What’s important for being capable at work?
– How to be trusted by those around you
– Do you need to work on being more trusting of others?
– How to turn employees who oppose you into allies
– What to do if you aren’t sure of your subordinates’ opinions
– How to identify excellent employees
– What to do when understaffed

These are some of the many essential topics included in this book. The author says that people who get the job done are those who are well prepared. “Being prepared” involves placing responsibility upon yourself only when necessary. By coming up with a plan, you leave less room for those around you to complain, and it becomes easier for them to focus on how they can take part in moving things forward. If you are well prepared, progress will be consistent, regardless of an individual’s own ability or background. If you are unsure of the path you want to take in life and the type of relationships you want to build, whatever the circumstances, make a plan, and prepare yourself for the worst to help guide you through the process. This way, the tasks you’re not sure you’re capable of accomplishing will be easier to achieve. This book provides thorough guidance in the thought processes and methods involved in preparedness, following through with your plans and creating success at work. I hope all readers of this book will be able to make plans and meet their goals.

– The secret to producing results in unlikable tasks
– Why prepare yourself?
– The most important thing for being able to do your job
– How to get others to trust you
– How a leader can trust in others more
– Two important points for assembling a winning team
– How to turn opposing employees into allies
– What you should always do when you’re making quick decisions
– How to identify excellent employees
– Things that successful people never say
– How to work without overtime
– What were you doing during Muji’s three years of recovery?
– Reflection is needed if you exceed your expectations
– Reaching goals and changing your future with the “Matsui Method”

I grew to like Tadamitsu Matsui and Muji more and more as I worked on this book. The philosophy represented in this book is wonderful, and it’s put into practice in the Muji workplace. Everyone’s great character, love for their job and warm welcome when I went to pick up materials for this book were moving. Mr. Matsui himself came out and passed me the documents personally, while an individual from PR came to show his appreciation. While working on this book, I started to see a correlation between Muji’s success and the type of company they seemed to be internally. The secrets to being able to enjoy your job while producing real results are included in this book. I wholeheartedly recommend reading it.