In Japanese culture, there’s a powerful word: Ganbaru (頑張る).
It literally means “stand firm” but in practice, it’s so much more.
Ganbaru is not simply “doing your best.” It’s doing more than your best. It’s persevering and pushing beyond what you thought possible. It’s digging deeper when things get tough and finishing what you start with discipline, focus, and heart.
At Pinnacle Performance Training, we see Ganbaru as synonymous with our own philosophy: a complete commitment to excellence and never settling for less than your very best.
Here are three examples of Japanese businesses that demonstrate the greatness of Ganbaru:
Greatness Through Relentless Craftsmanship: Toyota
Toyota’s success story is built on monozukuri, a philosophy of craftsmanship, innovation, and pride in the process. Ganbaru is reflected in Toyota’s refusal to accept “good enough,” its discipline to continually improve, and its determination to lead through quality and efficiency.
Greatness Through Enduring Resilience: Kongō Gumi
Founded in 578 AD, Kongō Gumi is the world’s oldest documented company, with a 1,400-year history of building and restoring temples. Despite wars, natural disasters, and cultural upheavals, it has stood firm, holding true to its mission for over a millennium.
Greatness Through Sustainable Passion: Monolith Soft
This video game studio, best known for Xenoblade Chronicles, shows a modern spin on Ganbaru. Instead of glorifying burnout, they push creative limits while fostering a healthy work culture that sustains passion and innovation.
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Whether in factories, temples, or creative studios, these companies prove that Ganbaru is more than a cultural phrase, it’s a formula for success.
Where in your role today can you bring the spirit – and greatness -of Ganbaru?
Pinnacle Performance Champions 
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