Change Management In Japan

Change Management In Japan

Everybody loves change - in others that is, rather than themselves. 

They have tremendous views on what their company should stop doing and what their boss should be doing, they have ideas on how to make things better around here. But their strong preference is for everyone else around them to change, so that they can stay deep, deep in their comfort zone. "You change, I will stay the same". 

What happens when you are tasked by your big bosses to get change happening in your section? There are some key steps to get change. 

1. Motivation for change is closely linked to our communication skills. Can we sell the WHY behind the need for change? Ordering people around is folly, because there is no commitment to drive the change.

2. Analyse where we need to start. Don't try to boil the ocean, instead try to find the sweet spots. Where are the 4% of things that will impact 64% of the results? 

3. Planning means we break the big job down to smaller bite sized pieces, so that the project is easier to get going. How long will it take, who needs to be involved, what are the checkpoints to measure success. 

4. Execute on the plan and get started. No more paralysis by analysis.

5. Adapt to the results of the plan and keep testing how the plan is working out. Make necessary changes to improve the execution. Tweek further what needs changing 

6. Adopt what is working and make this a standard operating procedure, capturing the learnings. Chronicle the journey, because we will be repeating similar peojects in the future and so let's preserve the corporate memory. Just in case you were wondering, it won't happen by itself, so start writing it down.

Don't forget to keep the motivation component humming all the way through. The WHY explanation is not a one and done process. "I told them, they know", is delusional. People get busy, they get bored, they start to drift - we need to keep reminding them of the WHY.

Engaged employees are self-motivated. The self-motivated are inspired. Inspired staff grow your business but are you inspiring them? We teach leaders and organisations how to inspire their people. Want to know how we do that? Contact me at [email protected]

If you enjoy these articles, then head over to www.enjapan.dalecarnegie.com and check out our whitepapers, guidebooks, training videos, podcasts, blogs. Take a look at our Japanese and English seminars, workshops, course information and schedules.

About The Author

Dr. Greg Story: President, Dale Carnegie Training Japan

Author of Japan Sales Mastery, the Amazon #1 Bestseller on selling in Japan and the first book on the subject in the last thirty years.

In the course of his career Dr. Greg Story has moved from the academic world, to consulting, investments, trade representation, international diplomacy, retail banking and people development. Growing up in Brisbane, Australia he never imagined he would have a Ph.D. in Japanese decision-making and become a 30 year veteran of Japan.

A committed lifelong learner, through his published articles in the American, British and European Chamber journals, his videos and podcasts “THE Leadership Japan Series”, "THE Sales Japan series", THE Presentations Japan Series", he is a thought leader in the four critical areas for business people: leadership, communication, sales and presentations. Dr. Story is a popular keynote speaker, executive coach and trainer.

Since 1971, he has been a disciple of traditional Shitoryu Karate and is currently a 6th Dan. Bunbu Ryodo (文武両道-both pen & sword) is his mantra and he applies martial art philosophies and strategies to business.

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