Many studies have been reported that prove that good early childhood education is effective over the long term. In particular, it has been pointed out that early childhood education leads to the improvement of non-cognitive abilities. Data has been accumulating that non-cognitive abilities such as perseverance, cooperation, motivation, and self-control lead to social success. Children who received education that improved non-cognitive abilities performed better on academic achievement tests, had higher educational backgrounds, and earned more. Furthermore, they grew up to have a certain social status, high incomes, a high rate of home ownership, and were health-conscious. Investment in these children increased their tax burden, improved their health, and reduced social security costs.
Companies have also begun to understand that non-cognitive abilities improve the results of their management and investments. One way of doing this is by learning from failure, and non-cognitive skills can be acquired gradually. To acquire these skills, it is necessary to have curiosity, a spirit of inquiry, perseverance, and to learn from failure. Results are born probabilistically through trial and error. Results come from achieving many small goals. To achieve results, you need to gather information and ideas from various sources and gradually move towards a solution. In some cases, a practical methodology will emerge from the experience while implementing what seems to be a solution. Previous academic ability tests (targeting cognitive ability) had one correct answer. However, from the perspective of non-cognitive ability, even if you reach the correct answer, it is important to continue looking for the next correct answer.
When examining productivity in terms of the actual operating rate of a machine, it is said that a range of 70% to 90% is appropriate, and that productivity is maximized at this time. Companies do not only produce fixed products, but also supply new products to the market at a certain rate. When making a prototype, if the operating rate is 100% just for processing the product, the prototype cannot be made. It is more sustainable to reduce the operating rate a little and make prototypes while occasionally inspecting and maintaining them. Having some “play” like the steering wheel of a car leads to increased efficiency and productivity. Employees working in companies are also required to be creative in increasing the operating rate of machines. The purpose of a company is to achieve sustainable growth, and it is necessary to increase the productivity of each employee. When increasing productivity, it is important to always have some leeway in order to bring out non-cognitive abilities.
