The garden of coulda, woulda, shoulda (oh snap!)
In the world of work, the most valuable resource is often overlooked: people. Companies and organizations tend to focus on numbers and immediate results, forgetting the value of the time invested by their employees. However, time, along with talent and motivation, is a fundamental resource that, if poorly managed, represents a significant loss both for the company and for the individual. Every employee brings with them a unique treasure trove of skills, ambitions, and experiences. Recognizing and valuing this is the key to building a truly functional company.
Valuing and promoting honesty
Creating a transparent performance evaluation system that goes beyond mere economic results allows companies to reward not only achieved goals but also personal and professional growth. A dedicated role, such as a “talent manager,” could be responsible for discovering employees’ aspirations and strengths, assigning them to roles where they can best express their potential. Similarly, authentic meritocracy must reward real contributions, valuing not only immediate successes but also integrity and long-term efforts. Career advancements and recognition should be based on skills and tangible results, not on opaque internal dynamics or favoritism. This approach restores value to the time invested and promotes a sense of belonging and mutual motivation.
Mottainai (もったいない): don’t waste, honor resources
The Japanese term “Mottainai” invites us to reflect on the waste of resources, a principle that can also be applied to human time. The word originates from the Buddhist term “mottai”, which refers to the essence of things and their profound connections. With the addition of the negation “nai”, the expression takes on a tone of regret, highlighting the loss of something valuable. It expresses concern or remorse for what is wasted because its potential has not been fully realized.
In the Japanese worldview, everything in nature possesses a spirit, and every element exists in harmony with others in a dynamic balance. “Mottainai” embodies this perspective, offering a glimpse into an anima mundi that links all things. This concept emphasizes the importance of mindful management of resources, including time, one of the most precious.
A workplace that ignores or undervalues employee talent, or fails to reward merit, wastes opportunities that could translate into innovation, growth, and success.
Each day spent in an environment where people are not valued, lack opportunities to grow, or do not see their efforts recognized, is a wasted day. Providing workplace flexibility, such as remote work or adaptable schedules, is not merely a perk but a strategic investment. The same applies to investing in continuous training: these are not costs but deliberate choices that demonstrate respect for employees’ time and potential.
A company that invests in these areas shows an understanding that the true value of each employee lies not only in their immediately applicable skills but also in the growth they can achieve.
An enlightening example of how time can be wisely used is the short film The Maker by Christopher Kezelos. In the film, a curious rabbit in a tailcoat is in a room, aware that it has an important task: to create another being of its species and, even more complex, to bring it to life. All it has to help is an old instruction book, but in the end, it is forced to figure out for itself how to complete the mission. The short film conveys, through a delicate metaphor, the profound meaning of existence: the despair of facing difficulties alone, the joy of achieving success, and finally, the most solemn moment, that of death, which also involves passing the torch—the burden and gift of starting one’s journey. Every choice the rabbit makes is critical; every second counts. This perfectly mirrors how, in the world of work, every decision and every moment spent with intention can make the difference between success and mediocrity. The protagonist’s mission is a powerful metaphor: just like the rabbit, we are also called to use our time to build something that lasts, leaving a positive mark.
The paradox of time: always in a hurry, but without direction
We live in a frantic society where the most common mantra is: “I don’t have time.” However, this statement often hides poor priority management rather than a real overload. Declaring a lack of time becomes an excuse to avoid responsibility or justify inefficiency, creating the illusion that being busy is synonymous with being valuable. In reality, time is never really scarce: what’s missing is the ability to use it effectively. Let’s stop confusing frenzy with productivity. Dedicating time to things that matter, to people, and to authentic goals, is what gives meaning to life, both professionally and personally.
In the end, time runs out for everyone. It doesn’t matter how much we’ve done, but how we’ve wasted our time if we haven’t created anything that truly matters.
