Japan - Teamwork and Leadership in the New Normal

By our friends in Japan

Those of us from overseas, working or doing business in Japan, are very aware of the differences in Japanese practices relating to teamwork and leadership when compared to our own. Frequently, foreign business expresses frustration with bureaucracy, lengthy decision-making and other features typical of Japanese companies.   However, with fundamental changes affecting the way we work -- what many are calling the ‘new normal’ – is it time to rethink our perspective on the Japanese model and ask what advantages it could offer to our organizations?

So what exactly is the ‘new normal’? Definitions vary, but in general it can probably be summarized as a change in traditional methods and models of business, brought about by myriad market changes over recent years. Globalization, emerging markets, social media and technology are examples.  The financial crisis, too, has highlighted the worst in traditional western business practices resulting in a consensus for change that advocates a more collaborative and responsible business model. This includes a focus on long term rather than short-term results and an increase in checks and processes to mitigate future risk. Changes in the economic environment and market challenges call for resilience and stoicism.

All these qualities may be seen in abundance in Japanese organizations and society. The collaborative style of Japanese leaders, the high commitment of teams to a common goal and long-term orientation are all well documented.  The dignified and proactive response of the Japanese people to the recent tsunami was a powerful example of calmness under intense pressure, and the ability to organize and act for the collective good under the most difficult circumstances.  

By complementing these best characteristics of Japanese business practice with qualities of flexibility, out-of-the-box thinking, and responsiveness in changing circumstances, we develop better models of teamwork and leadership that blends the best of all approaches.

At Lumina Japan we work with global organizations to recognise and fully utilise all team talents and contributions. Lumina Spark, the highly innovative and accurate psychometric resource, plays a central role in supporting individuals and teams to value their best strengths, and fully engage the diversity of traits and skills that each person brings to the group. In so doing, we support organizations in Japan to drive forward and meet the challenges of the new normal and a rapidly changing future.