Ken Uchikura Newsletter Vol. 400 Thumbnail
The Danger of the "Diligent but Incompetent” Worker
There is perhaps ”no greater corporate hazard than a stubborn, incompetent worker who is also highly industrious.”
This concept, inspired by Kurt von Hammerstein-Equord (1878–1943), a German Army General, is widely known in Japan. He categorized people into two groups: "clever versus stupid" and "diligent versus lazy." Of the four resulting combinations, he famously stated that a “stupid and diligent” individual is the most dangerous type.
At first, this may seem surprising. Isn't a hard worker always an asset to a company? However, diligence itself isn’t the issue. The real danger lies in sprinting forward in the completely wrong direction.
A person who lacks experience or ability but understands their limits and listens to others doesn’t usually cause major problems. The real problem is someone who believes they’re always right, ignores advice, and keeps moving forward in the wrong direction. Because they believe they’re doing what’s best for the organization and work very hard, it can be difficult for others to stop them. As a result, they may lead the entire organization in the wrong direction.
After managing a company for nearly 40 years, I believe that the people who deserve the highest recognition aren’t simply those who work the hardest, but those who do the right work. It’s not uncommon to see people who appear extremely busy and achieve little, while those who quietly and efficiently focus on the right priorities create significant results.
This is exactly why companies must look beyond mere activity. We shouldn't just ask, "What did you do?" but rather, "Did your work align with the company’s core objectives?" When you direct your effort toward the wrong goals, hard work can become a disadvantage for the organization.
What both leaders and employees need is not only dedication, but also humility. We must be willing to consider that we may be wrong, verify the facts, and have the courage to change course when necessary. This flexibility strengthens organizations and allows them to continue growing.
Working hard is important, but working hard in the right direction is even more important.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
ken.uchikura@pspinc.com
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Kenichi Uchikura is a Japanese-American entrepreneur and founder of PSPINC. Through this blog, he shares stories and insights about Japanese history, culture, traditions, business, technology, and everyday life. His goal is to help readers better understand Japan, its people, and the values that continue to shape Japanese society today.
ABOUT PSPINC
PSPINC (Pacific Software Publishing, Inc.), headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, was founded in 1987 and has been providing internet technology services since 1997. PSPINC offers web hosting, email hosting, software development, IT support, cloud solutions, and digital marketing services. The company operates infrastructure in the United States and Japan and supports businesses worldwide with reliable technology and bilingual service.
For Service & Inquiries
Call: 1-800-232-3989 or 425-957-0808
Email: info@pspinc.com
Web: www.pspinc.com
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