Fostering effective thinking
According to the public speaker and author of More Time to Think, Nancy Kline, effective thinking is a radical and essential tool of good management that creates a leadership people can trust. Among the 10 steps she sets out to achieve this are; “ease, you can’t think in a hurry,” “appreciate 5x more than you criticise”, and “feelings, fear prevents thinking but laughter helps”.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect for Kyocera and our partners is that many of Kline’s suggestions correlate with our philosophy. Effective thinking for KDZA includes fostering clearer communication, sharper problem-solving, and stronger client relationships. This enables teams to anticipate needs, adapt their strategies accordingly and close deals confidently. KDZA enhances decision-making, improves collaboration, and drives sustainable growth by creating an environment where thoughtful dialogue and innovative solutions thrive.The key areas of Kyocera’s Philosophy that overlap with Kline’s include:
1. Respect and attention:
Kline's perspective emphasises attentive listening without interruption to encourage deep thinking. Kyocera's view advocates for "Management by All," where members are free to voice their opinions and participate in management, fostering mutual respect and open communication.
2. Equality and fairness:
Kline promotes ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute. While Kyocera encourages fair management and operation, upholding "doing what is right as a human being" as the principal criterion for business decisions.
3. Encouragement and empowerment:
Kline's perspective supports individuals to explore new ideas without fear of competition or judgment. Whereas Kyocera implements the Amoeba Management System, organising the company into small operating units that enhance employees' sense of participation and motivation.
4. Diversity and inclusivity:
Kline values diverse perspectives to enrich the thinking process, while Kyocera develops workplaces where everyone can maximise their true potential. This ensures that all employees shine in their unique ways and benefit from the diverse experiences of others.
Both Kyocera and Kline recognise that cultivating a thinking environment is not just an abstract concept—it is a practical approach that strengthens leadership, sharpens decision-making, and drives meaningful progress.
By embedding these principles into our daily interactions, we create a workplace where individuals feel valued, ideas flourish, and collaboration leads to tangible results.
As we continue to build on this foundation, let’s challenge ourselves to listen more actively, think more openly, and lead with intention. In doing so, we don’t just create better business outcomes—we foster a culture of trust, innovation, and shared success.
Michelle Frenzel - HR Manager - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
