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Today known across the globe for its iconic cameras and technology products, Canon’s humble beginnings in 1937 Japan still influence its approach to business, including learning and talent development.
The principles of Kyosei and The Three Selfs underpin the company’s approach to talent development, from apprentices and early career employees to business leaders, including Kathryn Scott, HR Director at Canon UK & Ireland.
In an exclusive interview with HR Grapevine, Scott lifts the lid on Canon’s culture of ‘continued learning,’ and how the long-standing principles continue to drive employee-led upskilling and career mobility.
What is Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, and how does it underpin your culture of learning?
Kyosei means living and working together for the common good. It’s at the heart of everything we do, reminding us to think about the wider purpose and impact of our everyday tasks.
Supporting this is the San-ji Spirits, or The Three Selfs – self-motivation, self-management, and self-awareness – which encourages employees to pursue their personal goals and ambitions, contributing to an inclusive and collaborative working environment while supporting individual growth and development.
The Three Selfs act as guiding principles to inform how employees interact with their colleagues, the brand, and their wider community
As long-lasting principles that have been integral to Canon since its inception, The Three Selfs play a vital role in shaping my own perspective as an HR leader, and my focus on building a culture of continued learning.
To me, this means encouraging everyone, from our graduate interns to our senior leaders, to never stop opening themselves up to new ideas and novel concepts to develop their role within the company.
How is this culture embedded in tangible development schemes and programmes?
We run various skill and talent programmes that are designed with Kyosei at the heart. For example, our Canon Young People Programme empowers the next generation of young people with the skills, tools, and resources they need to share stories about the social and environmental issues that matter to them the most, using our cutting-edge imaging technology. It also inspires them to drive change within their own communities.
