Teinei: What We Can Learn from the Japanese Concept of Politeness

Ever heard of ‘teinei’?

I first came across this concept when I was studying for my Master’s Degree at Trinity College in Dublin where I became friends with a fellow student whose family originates from Japan. 

Through our conversations, I encountered the concept of  teinei, which ties into the deeply rooted values of Japanese hospitality, which we witnessed during the 2021 Olympics Games in Tokyo.

Loosely translated into English as ‘politeness’, the true meaning of the word extends beyond manners. To the Japanese people, teinei is a way of life. It is about respecting others, taking care of them, but also being mindful of your surroundings

SPIRIT OF TEINEI TODAY

The true spirit of tenei was well-documented when Japan experienced the devastating effects of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, where instead of hoarding food and services, individuals remained calm and dignified.  

Their conduct in times of crisis is not only admirable but when studied and adapted, can be life-changing for other people all around the world.  

Now Japan is certainly not South Africa, but we have our own version of ‘teineiness’ — the spirit of Ubuntu, which I believe we, as South Africans, have ingrained in our collective DNA.  

After the mass looting and riots in Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal in July 2021, we caught a glimpse of our Ubuntu philosophy as individuals calmly banded together to rebuild. 

While food was distributed, individuals queued in a respectful and considerate manner. As a nation, we witnessed multiple acts of tenei as people willingly shared supplies with their neighbours and cared for the wellbeing of their community members.   

Teinei in businesS 

Politeness, in the sense of tenei, is synonymous with putting other people first, and there is also much we can learn from this concept when it comes to conducting business. 

If you’re always conscious of others in the workplace and show your honest intentions, those around you will generally reciprocate that same sense of care. 

As a private wealth manager, I’ve learnt that being genuinely concerned about the needs of my clients allows me to be of true service to my own community. 

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to establish a reputation for being a highly competent and professional investment specialist. By honing my ability to truly understand the financial needs of others and offering the most comprehensive solutions, I’ve built up a community of loyal clients who I genuinely want the best for. 

And while it’s important to set boundaries, I’ve always found that practising kindness, empathy, and hospitality always leads to meaningful business relationships. 

Whichever industry you’re in, here are a few of my personal teinei learnings which might be helpful if you’d like to grow your professional practice: 

Listen more, talk less. One of the most significant advantages you can have in the role of an advisor is the ability to really listen to your clients and get to know them on a deeper level.   

•  Maintain a professional attitude and take greater care over your emotions when things don’t go smoothly. Always embody a sense of genuine politeness when communicating in-person, virtually, on the phone, or in email. 

• Offer gratitude. Be grateful for the business you receive, but also the business that you lose. Relaying a simple “thank you for your time” goes a long way. If they don’t need your service now, they might need it later on down the line.  

• Make it a habit of staying in contact with your clients regularly. Keep them updated, and always follow through. If you’ve mentioned to a client or partner that you will schedule a second call or meeting, ensure that you do so. 

• Be transparent about your products and services. As a private wealth manager, it is exceptionally crucial to impart authentic information related to financial products and solutions to avoid future confusion among customers.

  When things get manic, it’s easy to get tangled up in the process of trying to land a sale that we forget about the living, breathing people on the other end of it all.

  Whichever industry you operate in, make it your mission to truly understand your clients’ fears, frustrations, values, and views of the world. Tap into your inner teinei by practising empathy and showing genuine care for those you seek to serve. 

I’m Giles Maynard, a professional financial advisor. I provide individual investment and wealth management services for private clients and companies. I’ve been trusted by clients, large and small to manage, protect, and preserve wealth. How can I help you with yours?