Toyoda Akio's Decade-long Achievements in Hands-on Leadership Approach
In a bid to maintain a shared perspective and align values as a management team, Akio Toyoda, the president of Toyota and the chair of Toyota's Ordinary General Shareholders' Meeting, held a weekly meeting last week at Toyota's headquarters in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
The meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half, covered a range of topics from recent developments to long-term management issues. Akio emphasized the importance of aligning the awareness of different workplaces (genba) to achieve unity. He believes that a united Toyota can change the future.
Akio, who described himself as "the most genba-oriented" president, also spoke about a change happening at Toyota, stating that the company has become more united as one. His driving force behind this unity is the mission: "Let's make ever-better cars" and "Let's aim to be the best-in-town, not the best in the world."
Akio's remarks at the shareholders' meeting highlighted the company's social contributions over the past 12 years. He thanked long-supporting shareholders for their continued warm support and encouraged the workforce to consider their purpose as a company and contribute to the world.
Toyota's cumulative sales totaled 300 trillion yen, payments to suppliers totaled 230 trillion yen, and consolidated employees rose in number by 50,000. Wealth worth an estimated 250 billion yen made its way into household budgets, and the company's market capitalization rose by 20 trillion yen.
Akio also emphasized the importance of sustainable growth. He aims to be the most "genba-oriented" president and believes in making changes through purposeful passion and action.
After an hour and a half of Q&A, the meeting shifted to voting on agenda items. Akio concluded his concluding remarks to long-supporting shareholders, emphasizing Toyota's unwavering mission as "producing happiness for all."
