The Way of the Master

A recent article (here) about the Documentary Jiro Loves Sushi points out the notion of "falling in love with your work." But TheHackerCIO always likes to go back to primary sources. So, today, I began watching the documentary for myself.

The notion of falling in love with your work is fascinating. But the notion of mastery is equally fascinating. We can see it in our Grandmaster at the Karate Dojo. But seeing it spelled out, by a different profession, in a documentary is somehow specially enlightening. I took the liberty of copying down this statement verbatim, given by a Sushi reviewer who has visited hundreds of Sushi bars to compare them. So substitute your favorite technology in for "chef," on this quote:

A great chef has the following five attributes:

1 First, they take their work very seriously and consistently perform on the highest levels,

2. Second, they aspire to improve their skills.

3 Third is cleanliness. If the restaurant doesn't feel clean, the food isn't going to taste good.

4. The fourth attribute is impatience. They are not prone to collaboration. They are stubborn and insist on having their own way.

5. What ties these attribute together is passion. That's what makes a great chef. Jiro has all these attributes. He's a perfectionist.

Americans might question #3. What is the importance to me of cleanliness? But there is a certain discipline required to have your cabling neat, which reflects itself in the overall quality  -- an reliability -- of the racking.  Frankly, the same goes for the desk. TheHackerCIO many years ago achieved a "clean desk" policy. I only keep the documents and work products I need on my desk during the day; by night, everything is neatly stored away in the desk. It leaves a more professional impression on clients, but more importantly, I avoid the continual "hunting" and "searching" for that lost document, which is so common.

The fourth attribute, of course, is precisely attacked and rejected almost universally in American corporate culture. There the God of Consensus reins. Only a "Team player" is desired. A Jiro wouldn't stand a chance.

There's more, but for now,

I Remain,

TheHackerCIO