Japanese Approach to Project Management !
From the The Big Time Blog
by Rami Kaibni
Managing any project successfully is all about Team Work combined with years of Accrued Expertise. It is an asset to have an educational background that compliments your field of expertise but "education" without "experience" is like an "arrow" without a "bow." You can never make a perfect shot with a temporary arrow unless you have a permanent bow called: "Life's Experience." Remember, you can never teach experience but you can always teach from experience.
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I would like to share a unique experience of mine back from 2005 till 2009. I worked for around 5 years hand in hand with two of the largest Japanese Corporations (JGC:Japan Gas Company & Chiyoda). They both were clients of ours on different projects but I will tackle one of the projects in this blog.
JGC were our client / owner representative for one of the largest Gas to Liquid Projects in Qatar called: Pearl GTL Project. Frankly speaking, I learned a lot from them and this was the most outstanding management experience I have ever had. The project was >$1 Billion US, very complex and running on tight schedule.
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Over the years, I've dealt with many large international companies from different countries. They were all very professional but dealing with the Japanese took my experience to a totally different level:
1- Team Work: Although they were the client, they worked with us hand in hand as if both are one team which resulted in significant positive added value to the project. We never felt they were clients.
2- Openness and Honesty: They built a level of comfort among everyone which resulted in openness, honesty and trust which are important values to achieve in any project.
3- Efficiency: They were always very efficient, to the point, hard working, very loyal to their company, committed to their work.
4- Attitude: They had an outstanding positive attitude and they were very diplomatic in a positive way to the extent that if they told someone "Go to Hell, he would look forward for this trip".
5- Precision and Accuracy: Their drawings had minimal discrepancies which obviously minimized any re-work, change orders and variations.
6- Organizational Chart: They always respected the level of authority within their organization and ours. I've never seen them for even once, by passing anyone.
7- Punctuality: Always punctual, from higher management going down to the inspectors and they used to be the first to report to work every morning because they believe that you have to lead by example.
8- Humble and Smart: They were very smart, highly educated and very humble - I've learned a lot from them because when you ask them something, they do not leave you before they make sure you understand.
9- Meetings: Their meetings were always to the point, that's why during most of our meetings with them, we used to end up with fruitful results in a very short time because they all come prepared to the meeting with one idea (I've seen other companies who would come to the meetings with each attendee having his own agenda and the meeting could take forever). They all spoke as one team, regardless whose idea was it.
10- Sense of Ownership: If anything went wrong in the project even if it was from our side, they used to take the blame themselves and work with us immediately on finding a solution because they do have sense of ownership and this enhanced the quality on the project a lot.
11- No Arguments: They do not argue. This is a strength because they do concentrate on being productive rather than being just busy.
This was a very unique experience. The project went on smoothly and was delivered on time and everyone was happy and looking forward to report to work everyday - It was definitely a win-win situation.
I have high respect to the Japanese culture, their management style and for them as individuals.
Always Remember: "Unity is Strength and when there is Teamwork and Collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved" - Mattie J.T. Stepanek
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Posted on: January 19, 2016 04:35 PM |
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Comments (37)
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NGUEDIA Bernis
Functional Manager| VIETTEL CAMEROUN S.A.
Douala, Coastal, Cameroon
Thx Rami, fot sharing this amazing experience of yours with the Japanese culture. No wonder they've succeeded to be so developed on a limited area like their own.
There is definitely a lot to learn from them.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Thomas: Thanks for your input - I actually worked with them for years and did not sense the above mentioned. They were always cooperative, quick in decision making for the benefit of the project and they were flexible and supportive when mistakes happens. At the end, it all depends on the team that was assigned and type / nature of the project.
I also worked with Hochteif (A German company), we were joint venture with them and it was a great experience as well.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Nguedia: Indeed there is a lot to learn from them.
Muhammed Nasir KAROFI
Head of Department Political and Civic Education| National Orientation Agency
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi, Nigeria
Rami, this is very inspiring. Harmonious working relationship that translate to success is sweet. Thomas, bravo! It was so good that you share your experience which also was in tune with Rami's , and for letting us be aware of the other flip side. The consequences of the other side of the Japanese culture of pride may be latent but at least awareness prepares one on eventualities. That is in the event the downside manifest and appear to affect success, is will not be a surprise.
Well done!
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Thank you Mohammed - Great input and yes I agree with you that Thomas input combined with the blog's points would be a complete guide - This is the core goal which is to share experiences and build on them.
fosco frongia
Senior project manager| ENTE PATRIMONIALE CHIESA GESU' CRISTO SUG
Fino Mornasco, Como, Italy
hi Ram,i thanks for sharing it
I didn't experience working with Japanese companies but all people worked with made the same comment done by Thomas
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Fosco: It is possible but personally did not experience this part and glad Thomas raised it be as different people have different experiences.
Excellent article Rami!
Spot on!
Drew Craig
Sr. Agile & Product Coach| Vanguard
Philadelphia, Pa, United States
Awesome! Thanks, for sharing these experiences and insights with us. Sounds to have been a fantastic experience.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Drake: Thanks a lot.
@Andrew: Thanks ... Yes, I learned a lot from them, and I mean a lot.
Wow, A lot of experience here to learn from. Thanks mate
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Kevin, You’re Welcome. Cheers
Teresa Durham
Project Management and Process Improvement| Teresa Durham, LLC
Stone Mountain, Ga, United States
I have to say, my experience has been more closely aligned with what @Thomas Walenta describes.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
@Teresa: It is interesting to know - I actually after many years also sensed the Japanese Centric issue.
Thank you for sharing this Rami. This is true - very true! In my early career, I have been jumping from one project to another. But when I experienced working in one of JGC's projects in Saudi Arabia, I was impressed and experienced all those points you have mentioned in your article. This is the main reason why I am staying in this company for more nearly 12 years now. Once you have assimilated their work culture (we call it the "JGC Way"), you can be definitely sure you've elevated your personal standards as well.
Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates
New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Rocelvi - That is exactly right. Glad to see that someone else also experienced the same thing I did. Cheers !
I have experience of having worked with the very same two Japanese companies over a period of many years, as well as with other Japanese firms. Your summary is 100% accurate. Great and inspiring analysis! The unique business culture has deep roots in the history of Japan and evolution of the society. It is a great pleasure working with Japanese teams.
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