諌める (Isameru) — Instead of Punishing, Teach
2026-08-22
There is a Japanese word, isameru (諌める), which means to advise someone when they are doing something wrong or heading in the wrong direction.
諌める (Isameru) — Instead of Punishing, Teach
There is a Japanese word, isameru (諌める), which means to advise someone when they are doing something wrong or heading in the wrong direction.
I think this is an important idea both in business and in family life.
When an employee makes a mistake, what is the purpose of pointing it out? Is it to punish the employee, or is it to make sure the same mistake does not happen again?
Punishment may make people afraid of making mistakes. Even worse, it may teach them to hide their mistakes. Teaching them what went wrong and how to handle the situation differently next time can make the entire organization stronger.
The same applies to raising children. If a child does something wrong, punishment may stop the behavior temporarily. But explaining why it was wrong can help the child make better decisions when the parents are not around.
Of course, there are times when consequences are necessary. But consequences should not become the objective.
In business and in families, I believe the purpose of correction should be education.
Don’t just tell people what they did wrong.
Teach them what to do right.
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO
Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..
ABOUT THIS BLOG
I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.
Your comments are always welcome.
..-･**･-....-･･-..__..-･･-....-･**･-..