Dōjōkun – our company philosophy

Five precepts that govern how people treat one another. What they mean for your work with us.

Where the precepts come from

道場訓 – Dōjōkun – literally means “rules of the training hall”. In traditional schools of the Japanese martial arts they are recited at the end of training. Each precept begins with hitotsu, “first”: no precept ranks above another; all apply at once.

What has proved itself in the dōjō over centuries has more to do with today's working world than it may seem. Deadlines are promised and not kept, discussions turn sour after three emails, consultants recommend whatever benefits them most. We therefore chose the five precepts not as decoration but as a commitment – and have spelled out what each of them means for our work.

1

Integrity

Seek perfection of character.

hitotsu, jinkaku kansei ni tsutomuru koto

Our recommendation has only one client: you.

A recommendation you do not like is still a recommendation. We represent no vendors, no certification bodies, no follow-up business – only the findings. If that occasionally costs us an engagement, we accept it.

What this means in practice

  • Independence Our recommendations follow the findings, not the interests of third parties.
  • Quality and reputation We deliver what stands up to an audit; our reputation is built on results, not promises.

2

Facts

Be faithful.

hitotsu, makoto no michi wo mamoru koto

Findings, not flattery.

An auditor does not ask how it feels. Neither do we. Our statements are evidenced, traceable and in writing – even when they are uncomfortable. Hence the addition to our name: fact based consulting.

What this means in practice

  • Openness and transparency You can see what our statements rest on and how we arrive at them.
  • Evidence-based solutions We justify controls from requirement, current state and risk – not from habit.

3

Perseverance

Endeavour.

hitotsu, doryōku no seishin wo yashinau koto

It's done when the evidence stands.

Not when the slides look good, and not when the budget is spent. We stay on the matter until the certificate, the KRITIS compliance evidence under Section 39 BSIG or the audit report says what it is supposed to say.

What this means in practice

  • Outcome-focused delivery Every engagement has a defined outcome; we align work and priorities to it.
  • Problems solved early We name obstacles early and clear them before they endanger the deadline.
  • Up to date We work to the applicable state of standards, regulation and technology.

4

Respect

Respect others.

hitotsu, reigi wo omonzuru koto

How we treat people is part of the service.

Anyone guiding a security initiative talks to executives, administrators, works councils and auditors – often on the same day. We meet each of them as equals, keep confidential matters confidential, and look for solutions that are supported rather than imposed.

What this means in practice

  • Discretion and loyalty What we see in your projects stays there.
  • Collaboration and consensus Solutions hold when those affected support them; that is what we work towards.
  • Long-term partnership We think beyond the end of the project and remain available afterwards.

5

Composure

Refrain from violent behaviour.

hitotsu, kekki no yū wo imashimuru koto

Measure first, then act.

No knee-jerk reactions to the latest headline, no fear-mongering, no measures that merely keep people busy. We assess the situation, choose proven methods and implement what is worth the effort – reliably and within the agreed scope.

What this means in practice

  • Pragmatism We choose the solution that works in your organisation – not the one that looks most complete on paper.
  • Efficiency and value We implement what is worth the effort and leave out what merely keeps people busy.
  • Proven methods, tailored to you Tried-and-tested standards as the basis, tailored to your organisation.
  • Reliability What we commit to, we deliver – in substance, on time and in scope.

How you can hold us to account

Precepts are worthless if they cannot be verified. That is why you will find them in our work: independent recommendations, documented findings, outcomes rather than effort, confidential handling, and an approach that always begins with an assessment. Take us at our word – that is the standard we want to be measured by.

An initial conversation, no obligation

Tell us where you stand: what requirement is coming up, what deadline is looming, what is already in place. You will get an honest assessment of how much work really lies ahead.

kontakt (at) dojokun.de

In confidence, with no commitment.