Success in Work and Life = Attitude x Effort x Ability
Recently, I wrote a newsletter about Kazuo Inamori's belief that experience should always be valued over knowledge. This sparked a lively discussion on LinkedIn, with someone pointing out that both experience and knowledge are useless without good character, a positive value system, the right mindset, and attitude. That’s a fantastic point, and it reminded me of another powerful idea from Inamori. It’s not just a concept—it’s an equation. Inamori’s "human equation" can determine the trajectory of your life and work.
Mediocre talent, extraordinary results
Inamori developed this equation while reflecting on how he achieved extraordinary results despite considering himself to have only mediocre talents. As the founder of Kyocera and DDI, and the savior of Japan Airlines, Inamori was astounded by his success. This led him to formulate an equation that would become the cornerstone of his philosophy.
The "Human Equation"
Inamori's "human equation" is simple yet profound:
Success in Work and Life = Attitude x Effort x Ability
This equation multiplies three qualities: ability, effort (enthusiasm), and attitude (way of thinking).
- Ability and Effort: Rated on a scale from 0 to 100.
- Attitude: Rated on a scale from -100 to 100.
Inamori argues that by assessing individuals based on these three factors, you can predict their overall success in life and work.
The power of multiplication
In his classic book 'A Compass to Fulfilment', Inamori emphasizes that success is the product of these three factors multiplied together.
Consider a smart but lazy person. If someone scores 90 out of 100 for ability but only 30 out of 100 for effort, the result is a mere 2,700.
Now, think of someone with average ability but a strong work ethic. If their ability is 60 but their effort is 90, the result is 5,400.
This shows that a person who works harder can achieve twice as much as someone who relies solely on their talent.
Attitude is everything
The most critical component of Inamori’s equation is attitude. It’s the factor that can make or break your success because it determines the direction of your efforts and abilities.
Inamori explains that people can focus their efforts and abilities positively or negatively. Therefore, attitude is unique because it can have both positive and negative values.
A negative attitude, no matter how high the effort and ability scores, results in negative outcomes. For example, a talented person who uses their skills for fraud or theft will ultimately fail because their negative attitude undermines their efforts.
That's why Inamori urges us to cultivate a positive attitude, as it ensures that our abilities and efforts lead to beneficial results for both ourselves and society.
The takeaway
Inamori's equation teaches us that success isn't just about talent or hard work—it's about having the right attitude.
By focusing on positivity and directing our efforts constructively, we can maximize our potential and achieve extraordinary results, regardless of our natural abilities.
I couldn’t agree more.
