
Top 3 Challenges
JAPANESE EMPLOYEES SHARE
Our Friction Point Analysis of more than 15 companies across multiple sectors has shown the top three challenges Japanese employees face:
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Leading or participating in global projects or teams.
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Answering questions quickly and concisely.
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Influencing people and outcomes in English.
Client Feedback: "I understand now that the my problem is not language, but communication."

What are the bigger consequences of struggling at work?
What are the bigger consequences of struggling at work?
THESE INDIVIDUAL STRUGGLES...
Quiet or passive when assigned to global teams or projects
Hesitates to volunteer
info or respond, unless asked
Struggles to influence people and outcomes in English
BIG
... LEAD TO
BUSINESS OUTCOMES
Delayed or limited access to global resources
Lacking visibility, local managers not consulted on critical decisions affecting their business
Customers disappointed with support, affecting reputation
Are you paying for the cost of quiet?

In Japan, it is generally inappropriate to complain. This can lead to fewer comments, opinions or questions.
Of course they have plenty of opinions and questions—they want to speak freely!—but being ‘quiet’ is a hard habit to break.
In fact, our metrics indicate that 32% of Japanese surveyed say they "Keep a low profile." And, in contrast to that perspective, a significantly larger, 68% of their non-Japanese colleagues say their Japanese colleagues are keeping a low profile.
In response to this silent struggle are approaches that work to shift that ‘quiet’ perspective. Developing practical skills that promote participation and deeper discussions, lead to insights that can impact revenue, cost and risk and other aspects of your business.
Communication
Mindset
TRANSFORM YOUR

The 5 Skills

1
SPEAK UP WITHOUT HESITATION
Think and respond quickly to unexpected questions.
2
Make relevant comments on any unexpected topic
DISAGREE SMOOTHLY
Know when and how to give your opinion with confidence.
Make relevant comments on any unexpected topic
3
DEEPER RELATIONSHIPS WITH INTELLIGENT LISTENING
Discover and deeply understand the thinking of others.
4
JOIN & LEAD DISCUSSIONS WITH SMART COMMENTS
Easily direct the flow of conversation.
5
CONTROL THE CONVERSATION
Manage difficult topics and discussions.
The 5 Skill of business communication are common to every language, but each culture requires a different approach.
These are practical techniques that shift mindsets as the technique becomes a skill, even for individuals with basic English. The problem is not language, but communication.
This is change that directly impacts both the individual and those with whom they communicate.

Outcomes
Elite Global Relationships
Elite multi-national relationships impact revenue, cost, and risk at every level of the business. These relationships result in better, more timely support from colleagues abroad.
Influence Decisions
Strong communicators are more likely to be invited into the decision-making process, at any level.
Better Project Priority
Keep your customers top-of-mind for multi-national actors. When resources are tight, country divisions compete for assets. Don't let 'quiet' leave your customers behind.
Increased Revenue
Better visibility and control over global resource utilization
Lower Business Risk
Challenge-response coaching focuses on specific, prioritized challenges revealed through workplace assessments. Available for every level of your organization.