Uchikura & Co., LLC

When Do You Find Your Chance?

Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, is one of Japan’s most respected business leaders. He is often called 「経営の神様」— “the God of Management.” His influence extends beyond Japan, and he has also been admired in China, where he is known as “经营之神,” essentially the same title.

 

One of the expressions associated with his philosophy is:

 

「好況よし、不況さらによし。」
“Prosperity is good. Recession is even better.”

 

At first, this sounds strange. How can a recession be better than a booming economy?

 

When business is good, almost everyone can grow. Customers are spending, opportunities are everywhere, and even mistakes can be hidden by strong demand.

 

But when business slows down, everything becomes visible.

 

Weaknesses become visible. Waste becomes visible. Customers become more selective. Competitors begin to disappear. Problems that nobody bothered to solve during good times suddenly become important.

 

That is where opportunity may be hiding.

 

A difficult economy forces us to think differently, become more efficient, listen more carefully, and create something people truly need.

 

Perhaps opportunity does not always appear when the wind is behind us.

 

Sometimes the greatest opportunity appears when the wind is against us.

 

So, when do you find your chance?

 

Maybe when everyone else sees only trouble.