The Four Right Efforts: A Business Strategy for Sustainable Success

In the fast-paced world of business, success isn’t about eliminating all mistakes—it’s about strategically managing risk, optimizing performance, and driving continuous growth. The Buddhist concept of the “Four Right Efforts” (Shishōgon, 四正勤) provides a powerful framework for achieving this.

This principle emphasizes proactive improvement, efficiency, and sustainability—key elements that drive high-performing organizations. Let’s explore how these four efforts translate into modern business strategy:

1. Preventing Problems Before They Arise – “Proactive Risk Management”

Smart businesses don’t wait for issues to emerge; they identify and mitigate risks before they become costly problems. This means implementing preventive strategies, robust processes, and strong governance to avoid unnecessary setbacks.

• Example: A company invests in cybersecurity measures to prevent data breaches, rather than reacting after an attack occurs.
• Application: Develop a risk assessment culture, automate compliance checks, and encourage teams to foresee potential bottlenecks before they escalate.

2. Fixing Existing Issues – “Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement”

No system is perfect, and inefficiencies naturally arise over time. Organizations that thrive are those that actively identify weak points and continuously refine their operations.

• Example: A leading e-commerce company constantly analyzes customer complaints, supply chain disruptions, and website performance to enhance the user experience.
• Application: Foster a Kaizen (continuous improvement) mindset, use data-driven decision-making, and create feedback loops to refine internal processes.

3. Creating New Opportunities – “Innovation & Strategic Growth”

Sustained success isn’t just about avoiding failure—it’s about actively seeking innovation, new markets, and strategic expansion. Businesses must constantly develop new capabilities, explore emerging trends, and invest in R&D.

• Example: A tech company launches AI-driven automation to streamline operations and create new revenue streams, staying ahead of competitors.
• Application: Encourage a culture of experimentation, allocate resources for new business development, and leverage emerging technologies to gain a competitive edge.

4. Strengthening What Works – “Sustaining Competitive Advantage”

Even the best businesses must reinforce their strengths to maintain long-term dominance. What worked yesterday may not work tomorrow—leaders must identify their core strengths and continuously enhance them.

• Example: A premium car manufacturer doesn’t just maintain high-quality standards; it invests in cutting-edge engineering, strengthens brand loyalty, and expands customer engagement strategies.
• Application: Leverage brand equity, invest in employee training and leadership development, and continuously refine best practices to stay ahead.

Applying the Four Right Efforts to Business Strategy

• Risk Prevention (Effort 1 & 2): Build resilient processes and eliminate inefficiencies before they impact performance.
• Growth & Expansion (Effort 3 & 4): Focus on long-term innovation and strategic sustainability to stay ahead of the competition.

This framework ensures that businesses remain agile, competitive, and prepared for the future.

📌 Key Takeaway:

Success is not about eliminating all errors—it’s about minimizing risk, optimizing efficiency, innovating strategically, and reinforcing strengths.

This mindset, inspired by the Four Right Efforts, is what separates high-performing businesses from those that struggle to adapt.