Meetings

Role of the timekeeper — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 7

Identifying leader makes for more effective meetings — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 6

A meeting leader’s role is to ensure that the discussion stays on track, that everyone participates, and that the outcome of the meeting is clarified...

Setting the meeting agenda — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 4

An agenda clarifies the topic of the meeting, both broadly and specific points…Once an agenda has been created, the key thing is to actually use it during the meeting. ...

Deciding who should attend the meeting (who should be invited) — Cross-Cultural Meetings part 3

Businesspeople today are typically busy and the time that is taken up by attending a meeting could be used for other activities…it’s important to invite people based on their ability...

Clarifying the purpose of a meeting (why have a meeting?) — Cross-Cultural Meetings Part 2

A meeting is called, but the objective of the meeting is not specified. This leads to wasted time and frustration…think about whether a meeting is the best way to...

Nemawashi or Debate? — Cross-Cultural Meetings Part 1

For western countries, meetings are for resolving conflicts, reaching group decisions, and problem solving…In contrast, the Japanese view meetings as a place to confirm things that have already been decided,...

Achieving more productive meetings with Japanese and American participants

Meetings are becoming the most hated part of everyone’s workday at the company — they take up time, and nothing ever seems to get done. Japanese feel like they...

Effective meetings with Japanese

By expecting a Japanese participant in the meeting to commit to a decision, you put them in a difficult position… clarify beforehand the purpose of the meeting, and whether decisions...

Meeting materials in advance is a must when doing business with Japan

Unbeknownst to many non-Japanese, not receiving meeting materials in advance drives Japanese businesspeople crazy!...