At the recent Emmy Awards, the drama SHOGUN won numerous awards in major categories, reaffirming its popularity and cultural significance. The show’s main character, Yoshii Toranaga, is modeled after Tokugawa Ieyasu, which reminded me of one of Ieyasu’s famous sayings:
“A retainer who remonstrates with his lord upon seeing his wrongdoing is far more courageous than the warrior who charges first in battle.”
This quote holds deep relevance in today’s business world. Ieyasu emphasizes that offering candid advice to one’s lord was considered even more valuable than leading the charge in battle—one of the greatest feats for a samurai at the time. In other words, remonstrating with those in power is a rare and incredibly difficult task.
Similarly, in modern corporate settings, it takes great courage to voice opinions to a CEO or leader, and even more to offer constructive criticism. This is not just a matter of individual bravery; it’s an essential element for an organization’s growth and success.
On the other hand, true leadership lies in the ability to recognize such courage from subordinates and to listen to their opinions with an open mind. Considering differing viewpoints and incorporating feedback can ultimately lead to better results and new opportunities for growth.
Tokugawa Ieyasu’s words remind us that courage, trust, and flexible leadership are the keys to success—even in today’s world.
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