Takashi Harada started out as an athletics coach at one of the worst high schools in Osaka, Japan. Within 3 years, 13 high school students won the gold medal in local championships and the school became the first-ranked school in Osaka out of 380 other schools. Following such success, Takashi Harada developed the HARADA METHOD with the help of American consultant Norman Bodek. Bodek was one of the most recognized experts in lean manufacturing. Impressed by Harada’s results in athletics, they decided to develop the Harada Method. Through this method, they have trained tens of thousands of managers and have written 17 books explaining what the method consists of and how to apply it to achieve such impressive results.
The Harada Method is a personal and business improvement approach. It is based on the idea that all people have the capacity to improve in any area of life, if clear goals are established, and a structured process is followed to achieve them.
The Harada Method consists of 7 steps that help people define their goals and establish an action plan to achieve them. HERE ARE 7 STEPS:
- ESTABLISH A CLEAR VISION: First, you must have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. Identify your long-term goals and make sure they are aligned with your personal values.
- SET SPECIFIC GOALS: Break your long-term goal into more specific and achievable goals. Make sure each goal is clear, measurable, and has a specific time frame.
- ESTABLISH AN ACTION PLAN: Create a detailed action plan for each goal, with specific steps you need to take to achieve it. Set a realistic deadline for each step.
- COMMIT TO THE PROCESS: Fully commit to the process of reaching your goals. Make sure you are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it.
- CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT: Constantly look for ways to improve your process and your action plan. Learn from your mistakes and adjust your approach if necessary.
- MAINTAIN DISCIPLINE: Maintain the discipline and dedication to stick to your action plan, even when you encounter obstacles or distractions.
- SHARE YOUR RESULTS: Share your results with others and celebrate your achievements. Make sure you stay motivated and energized to keep improving.
The Harada Method focuses on developing personal skills such as self-discipline, problem-solving, and continuous improvement. While it may seem like a long and detailed process, the structure of the method helps people define clear goals and follow an effective action plan to achieve them. If you are looking to improve in any area of your life, it would be good if you kept the Harada Method in mind. Because as Harada himself said, “Everyone can be successful in life.”
Recommended Book: The Harada Method