An Important Presence

Nobuo graduated from college last spring and went to work in the office of a large department store. Though he had graduated with high marks, he felt very humble. After all, he knew very little about the practical operation of a department store. Fortunately, he was aware of his own ignorance and was anxious to learn.

Nobuo, however, was not only interested in learning about his work. He also learned the traditions of the store, its customs and policies. He went futher. 　He made a study of the personalities of his superiors and fellow workers.

He tried to appreciate the good qualities of those with whom he worked. Before long. Nobuo began to realize that other members of the staff had many faults. There were ambition, jealousy, fear, hate, pride and other foibles. This, however, did not prevent him from respecting his fellow-workers. He realized that he had faults of his own.

Nobuo was not afraid to express his opinions concerning the work of his section, even when others disagreed. But he thought his opinions out well before he expressed them with restraint.

Above all, he kept in mind the important fact that he was supposed to earn his pay. To be conscientious, reliable and cooperative were the ideals he set for himself.

He has been working in the department store for less than a year. But, already, he is one of the most valuable employees. His future with the department store is assured.

大切な存在

　信夫は去年の春大学を卒業し、ある大きなデパートの事務所に勤めるようになった。いい成績で卒業したものにありがちのおごりは彼にはなく、いつも謙虚であった。彼は実際的なデパートの事務については何も知らなかったが、彼は何でも知るための努力をした。自分の知らない事があるのを自ら認めることのできる彼は、幸運というのか、神の恵みを受けているとでもいえるだろう。

　信夫は仕事について学ぶだけではなく、彼は店の伝統や習慣、そして方針を学ぶことを、更にすすめて、上役や同僚の性格をも知る事に努力を払っていたのである。

　一緒に仕事をする人々のよい性質を正しく評価しようとした彼は、間もなく他の人のよい点ばかりでなく、欠点にも気付くようになった。野心、嫉妬、憎しみ、傲慢など・・・。しかしこんな欠点をみても、彼の同僚や上役に対するいい点への尊敬は変らなかった。というのは彼自身にもいろいろの欠点がある事を知っていたからである。

　信夫はたとえ反対する人があったとしても、自分の仕事についての意見を述べる事を少しも恐れず、迷いもしなかった。決して出しゃばった態度ではなく。

　しかも彼は自分が給料をとっている事を心におき、誠実であること、信頼でき、また協力的であることを肝に命じているのである。彼はもう職場で大切な存在の一人である。彼の将来は約束されたと言えるだろう。