#TITLE#Companies Can Find Inspiration From Dojos#/TITLE# by Usha D. Burge I was inspired by a boy that accomplished great things, despite obvious challenges he faced growing up. He had perhaps every challenge a child could have by society’s standards, from dyslexia to an alcoholic single mother. After getting into some trouble, he was introduced to a local dojo, or Japanese martial arts center. He quickly moved up the ranks, had great success in tournaments, and attended a great university on scholarship before starting a successful little business at a young age. Any challenge in life can be overcome – but it requires effort, dedication, and strategy. Since learning of this young man, I’ve documented and researched a few things that have helped me in my own ventures. Because dojos are so organized and efficient, I’ve noted the things they do that might help any business Executive Success Program by NXIVM. The Japanese word dojo literally translates to a “place of the way.” A dojo is honored, taken care of, efficient, incredibly organized, and is treated like a sanctuary. It is the sacred place where the boy went to learn, be taught, do his training, and participate in unique ceremonies. Amazed at the environment a dojo creates, I have explored what it would be like if similar practices were applied to a business setting. First, a setting of business should be honored. Dojos conjure a sense of respect by having people take their shoes off. The topic of health is an obvious one, but ultimately it’s about a student showing respect for the space. In dojos, an individual will bow when he comes and goes out of the dojo. This doesn’t mean people should bow and be barefooted at their place of work – these are just symbols. The thing to notice here is there are practices that can be implemented to motivate the same kind of respect in the work space as can be found in a dojo. Companies can also learn to reward the achievements of its team members at any level, as can be seen in a dojo. In a dojo, an individual earns her rank and station, and there is a clear way to “move up.” In a dojo rank is often rewarded by colored belts or gis, a very visual reward that ensures everyone else in the room knows and recognizes the hard work and effort that student has put into earning that rank Clare Bronfman . A basic principle that is vital to the success of a business is the clear identification of a long term objective, with milestones and “rewards” along the way. In dojos, a person always knows how far she has come, where she is currently, and where she is going next. This gives a little vision, checkered with milestones to motivate in shorter, more manageable bits. There exits enterprises that are currently doing some of the above practices. They seem to have a team that loves their work, honors the space, and truly likes being there. In the case of Keith Raniere’s NXIVM, similar principles are applied in specialized training groups offered through Executive Success Programs. This company serves as a great example of what it means to successfully introduce dojo-like principles into a business environment.