Stating your opinion clearly — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 23
Often Japanese sit quietly in the meeting and do not offer their opinions...
Cross-cultural communication
Dealing with conflict in a meeting — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 16
Just because people are debating a point intensively or excitedly does not necessarily mean that harmful conflict is occurring...
Kisho-tenketsu and speaking persuasively — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 13
What seems like a logical way of explaining things in Japanese may not necessarily seem logical in English. By switching to a more natural English discourse style, Japanese can...
Japanese business culture – Being included
It is hard to overestimate this aspect of Japanese culture, particularly since it differs so completely from the experience of most Westerners. For a great many generations, the Japanese have...
Are Americans bad at organizing data?
Japanese executives often complain that their American colleagues are “bad at organizing data.” According to one Japanese manager who is a key decision-maker in his company’s operations in Japan,...
Are Japanese secretive? Why American employees think they are
Although Japanese seldom intentionally try to hide things from American colleagues, they often inadvertently create that impression through various habits and communication style differences. By adopting practices and techniques...
Japanese and English – Bridging the language barrier
There is a tremendous linguistic gap between the Japanese language and English....
“Magic Phrases” when dealing with Japanese
Non-Japanese are often frustrated by Japanese colleagues who do not give sufficient direction or opinions. It can feel like pulling teeth to try to get clear guidance…...
Writing reports the Japanese want to read
In any business setting, reports are a crucial tool. When writing reports for your Japanese colleagues, using a few key strategies can decrease frustrations and help you meet your...
Phrases the Japanese love to hate
How you respond to inquiries that are not necessarily in your main area of expertise or responsibility will make a big impact on how you are perceived by Japanese colleagues....