Year Four of Graduate Hiring: The Growth Curve and the Value of Fresh Talent

Hello, I’m Ichiki of Sync Logistics. In this issue, I’d like to share the message I conveyed during our new employee training regarding the “growth curve,” as well as the positive impact that hiring new graduates has brought to our company.

■ There’s a “Boring Zone” in the Process of Growth

In April, we welcomed six new graduates to our company. Each of them is full of motivation and energy, and their presence has encouraged me to stay sharp and focused as well.

I personally conducted three of the ten days of their initial onboarding program. During those sessions, I shared the core principles of our company—why we exist and what we aim to achieve. I also spoke about personal development, sharing real stories from my own experiences, including moments of success and failure, and what I hope each of them will grow into.

Among the various topics I covered, the one that seemed to resonate most strongly was the concept of the “growth curve,” which illustrates the relationship between effort and results. Ideally, we’d like our efforts to directly translate into growth—in work, in sports, or in life—but reality doesn’t always work that way. Especially at the early stages, people often feel discouraged when their hard work doesn’t yield immediate results, leading to what I call the “boring zone.”

This phase can make it difficult to stay motivated, but those who persist eventually reach a point where their progress begins to accelerate rapidly.

I share this concept every year, but this year’s group seemed to connect with it more deeply than ever. Their reaction reflects a strong desire to grow and a great deal of potential.

■ The Benefits of Welcoming New Graduates

This is our fourth year of hiring new graduates, but in the beginning, there were some hesitant voices within the company, concerned about the time and cost involved in training them. However, I can now confidently say that bringing in new graduates has brought great value to the company.

One of the benefits I’ve observed is the positive effect it has on existing employees. When placed in the role of a supervisor or mentor, they naturally begin to demonstrate what professionalism looks like, both in words and in actions. They become role models—sometimes even putting on their best selves. This type of behavior change is rarely seen with mid-career hires.

Additionally, the younger generation brings fresh sensibilities and values, often offering perspectives that our generation may never have considered. This brings new possibilities to our business and services.

■ Continuing to Overcome Challenges

After completing their initial training, the six new employees have just begun their departmental training and hands-on work. They will undoubtedly face many challenges ahead, and I sincerely hope they will continue to overcome each one.

To get through the difficult periods when results don’t come easily, personal effort and mental strength are certainly important—but there are also many ways the company can provide support. For instance, creating clear manuals and training programs, and fostering an environment where it’s easy to ask questions or seek advice, are all vital forms of support.

Training new graduates who grew up in a different era with different ways of thinking is not easy, but it is a highly meaningful initiative that brings renewed energy to the organization.

Together with our new employees, we hope you will continue to support and encourage the challenges that lie ahead.

Thank you very much for reading.