Japan has a distinct business culture that can be challenging to navigate. Some of its values may be difficult to comprehend, leading to misunderstandings in various cultural aspects, such as the decision-making process, attitudes toward time, and expectations regarding relationships.
Please share your practical hands-on experience of leading a project in Japan.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Nov 14, 2024 4:54 PM
Replying to Maria Hrabikova
...
Rami,
I reviewed the blog and want to thank you for your valuable observations.
Maria
You're very welcome, Maria. Glad you did find it valuable. Working with team did positively influence my ways of working when it comes to Project Management! Saving Changes...
Obviously, the determination of technical user-guideline violations is outside the scope of contributors and there’s a defined process for a contributor to bring concern to a post (i.e., the “report” link). In addition, we all understand that the site and its content is monitored by a professional team, and further understand its terms of use as the team has made it readily available through a pinned subject—hence, accountability is already built into the process.
I feel that we need to be mindful of posting comments that will deviate a thread from the subject of concern (although I’ve been guilty of it). My point: If there was a technical violation of user terms then it will be addressed appropriately, however raising a “violation concern or reminder of a concern” in the way done in this thread was (in my opinion) unnecessary and did unfortunately “hijack” this subject.
-- So, in an attempt to put this thread back on course:
Danny, your comments on “Japan’s business culture” in my experience is well stated. I would add to it, that the US culture of “challenging” ideas and approaches to better them is met with unease and misunderstanding from what I have experienced.
George
George and Danny,
Thank you for sharing your insights about cultural nuances in Japan.
Obviously, the determination of technical user-guideline violations is outside the scope of contributors and there’s a defined process for a contributor to bring concern to a post (i.e., the “report” link). In addition, we all understand that the site and its content is monitored by a professional team, and further understand its terms of use as the team has made it readily available through a pinned subject—hence, accountability is already built into the process.
I feel that we need to be mindful of posting comments that will deviate a thread from the subject of concern (although I’ve been guilty of it). My point: If there was a technical violation of user terms then it will be addressed appropriately, however raising a “violation concern or reminder of a concern” in the way done in this thread was (in my opinion) unnecessary and did unfortunately “hijack” this subject.
-- So, in an attempt to put this thread back on course:
Danny, your comments on “Japan’s business culture” in my experience is well stated. I would add to it, that the US culture of “challenging” ideas and approaches to better them is met with unease and misunderstanding from what I have experienced.
George
Dear George Freeman ,thank you for sharing your opinion. As I mentioned in my initial comment, I’m not entirely sure if any part of the discussion could be seen as self-promotional, but I wanted to give Rami Kaibni a heads-up just in case. I hope it’s clear that I don’t mean to judge or comment on anything in a negative light. The "report" button is generally intended for flagging offensive or spammy content as written.
A truly mindful, open discussion fosters a free-flowing conversation with few restrictions. That being said, it’s common for conversations, especially open ones, to evolve beyond the original topic. Since this isn’t a structured Q&A with specific answers (like A, B, C, or D), it’s natural for the dialogue to move organically, as long as we maintain respect for one another and adhere to the User Guidelines. If the conversation drifts off-topic, participants always have the right to choose whether to continue engaging. After all, isn’t that the very essence of an open discussion?
As far as I understand, the User Guidelines are public information that intended to apply to a wide range of situations, whether technical or non-technical. In many organizations, while our work may be monitored, it doesn’t always mean that every small violation requires a formal report to management or HR. Sometimes, a friendly reminder like saying, "This item should be recycled rather than thrown out as waste", is all that’s needed, and people generally appreciate that, even if it’s not strictly in line with company user guidelines or policies. The reminder is meant to be helpful, not judgmental.
I believe that User Guidelines should be respected in most situations, and I understand that they exist for a reason and to serve an important purpose. My comment was simply a friendly reminder, intended to point to the public guidelines, nothing personal. Instead, I trust that both the user and the moderators can make the final judgment based on their own understanding. After all, there's always some additional time to " edit " a comment after posting it. If you feel something violates the guidelines, you have plenty of time and can choose whether to address it or leave it as is. In this way, users have complete freedom of choice, and I respect their decision either way.
Ultimately, users can always write content directly in the comment rather than referring others to an external or personal link. In my view, there are many ways to stay within the User Guidelines while still sharing our thoughts.
Anyway, I'm really not here to pass any judgment. That's why I left it to the user and the moderator to decide, and in this case, the user chose to keep things as they are. I believe a reminder about the public guidelines isn't about making personal judgments. It's just a gentle reminder for everyone, myself included.
I hope this clears up my intentions. Thank you again for your understanding!
If I were to distill one sentence from the user guidelines that embodied the whole, it would be this: Be considerate, show respect, keep your tone positive, and keep the dialogue constructive.
We risk violating that embodiment when we address concerns whose determination is not ours to make. The “report” button notifies the community engagement specialist of a believed violation of the user guidelines. The keyword is “believed,” as they decide through their process whether a violation has actually occurred.
We should err on the side of caution and leverage the “report” button or send a message to one of the community engagement specialists if we have a concern, thus keeping our roles properly delineated and reducing the likelihood of us violating that embodiment against another member of the community, whether intentional or not.
Although I understand the intentions stated, It’s just the safe and right thing to do.
Rami,
I reviewed the blog and want to thank you for your valuable observations.
Maria
Maria Hrabikova , to be honest, when I first read your post, I immediately thought of some good articles that I would like to share. It’s from Japanese authors with a sharp perspective and keen observation.
If posting external links doesn’t violate any user guidelines, please feel free to read the link below:
P.S.: Please note that the link above is not related to me in any way, so I don’t believe this counts as self-promotion. If this post violates any user guidelines, moderators, please feel free to remove it at any time. I apologize in advance for the " mini experiment ".
Saving Changes...
George FreemanThought Leader | Author | Architect| Florida, United States
Nov 14, 2024 8:37 PM
Replying to Danny PMP, PgMP
...
Dear George Freeman ,thank you for sharing your opinion. As I mentioned in my initial comment, I’m not entirely sure if any part of the discussion could be seen as self-promotional, but I wanted to give Rami Kaibni a heads-up just in case. I hope it’s clear that I don’t mean to judge or comment on anything in a negative light. The "report" button is generally intended for flagging offensive or spammy content as written.
A truly mindful, open discussion fosters a free-flowing conversation with few restrictions. That being said, it’s common for conversations, especially open ones, to evolve beyond the original topic. Since this isn’t a structured Q&A with specific answers (like A, B, C, or D), it’s natural for the dialogue to move organically, as long as we maintain respect for one another and adhere to the User Guidelines. If the conversation drifts off-topic, participants always have the right to choose whether to continue engaging. After all, isn’t that the very essence of an open discussion?
As far as I understand, the User Guidelines are public information that intended to apply to a wide range of situations, whether technical or non-technical. In many organizations, while our work may be monitored, it doesn’t always mean that every small violation requires a formal report to management or HR. Sometimes, a friendly reminder like saying, "This item should be recycled rather than thrown out as waste", is all that’s needed, and people generally appreciate that, even if it’s not strictly in line with company user guidelines or policies. The reminder is meant to be helpful, not judgmental.
I believe that User Guidelines should be respected in most situations, and I understand that they exist for a reason and to serve an important purpose. My comment was simply a friendly reminder, intended to point to the public guidelines, nothing personal. Instead, I trust that both the user and the moderators can make the final judgment based on their own understanding. After all, there's always some additional time to " edit " a comment after posting it. If you feel something violates the guidelines, you have plenty of time and can choose whether to address it or leave it as is. In this way, users have complete freedom of choice, and I respect their decision either way.
Ultimately, users can always write content directly in the comment rather than referring others to an external or personal link. In my view, there are many ways to stay within the User Guidelines while still sharing our thoughts.
Anyway, I'm really not here to pass any judgment. That's why I left it to the user and the moderator to decide, and in this case, the user chose to keep things as they are. I believe a reminder about the public guidelines isn't about making personal judgments. It's just a gentle reminder for everyone, myself included.
I hope this clears up my intentions. Thank you again for your understanding!
If I were to distill one sentence from the user guidelines that embodied the whole, it would be this: Be considerate, show respect, keep your tone positive, and keep the dialogue constructive.
We risk violating that embodiment when we address concerns whose determination is not ours to make. The “report” button notifies the community engagement specialist of a believed violation of the user guidelines. The keyword is “believed,” as they decide through their process whether a violation has actually occurred.
We should err on the side of caution and leverage the “report” button or send a message to one of the community engagement specialists if we have a concern, thus keeping our roles properly delineated and reducing the likelihood of us violating that embodiment against another member of the community, whether intentional or not.
Although I understand the intentions stated, It’s just the safe and right thing to do.
I value being considerate, respectful, and keeping our conversations positive and constructive, which is why I wanted to continue this dialogue here. I didn’t take offense during our discussion, as I understand that it’s about the issue at hand, not personal feelings.
As much as I feel hesitant about "reporting" (since I never intended to report anyone), perhaps it’s part of the process. I hope I’ve done the right thing in some way.
I sincerely apologize if anything I did has offended you. In my heart, I have always seen you as someone I can learn from, and I truly respect you from the bottom of my heart. Please don’t take this too personally. My intention has never been to upset you.
Hopefully we can always have open, constructive conversations without letting personal feelings interfere. If anyone feels hurt, to the point of disconnecting from the community profile, I would find that unfortunate. I believe that by staying calm and focused on the issue, we can find great value in our discussions without letting ego or emotions get in the way.
Thank you again for the discussion.
Nov 15, 2024 1:36 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
George, well said, thank you.
In fact, one aspect of Japanese culture that has always impressed me is their remarkable sense of respect and consideration. They have an incredible ability to address even the most difficult situations with a positive, constructive tone.
What stood out to me is that they never seem to call someone out publicly or point fingers. Instead, they address issues in a thoughtful, measured way, which fostered a sense of trust and psychological safety within the team. It's this approach that truly helps build strong, cohesive environments where people feel respected and valued.
If I were to distill one sentence from the user guidelines that embodied the whole, it would be this: Be considerate, show respect, keep your tone positive, and keep the dialogue constructive.
We risk violating that embodiment when we address concerns whose determination is not ours to make. The “report” button notifies the community engagement specialist of a believed violation of the user guidelines. The keyword is “believed,” as they decide through their process whether a violation has actually occurred.
We should err on the side of caution and leverage the “report” button or send a message to one of the community engagement specialists if we have a concern, thus keeping our roles properly delineated and reducing the likelihood of us violating that embodiment against another member of the community, whether intentional or not.
Although I understand the intentions stated, It’s just the safe and right thing to do.
I value being considerate, respectful, and keeping our conversations positive and constructive, which is why I wanted to continue this dialogue here. I didn’t take offense during our discussion, as I understand that it’s about the issue at hand, not personal feelings.
As much as I feel hesitant about "reporting" (since I never intended to report anyone), perhaps it’s part of the process. I hope I’ve done the right thing in some way.
I sincerely apologize if anything I did has offended you. In my heart, I have always seen you as someone I can learn from, and I truly respect you from the bottom of my heart. Please don’t take this too personally. My intention has never been to upset you.
Hopefully we can always have open, constructive conversations without letting personal feelings interfere. If anyone feels hurt, to the point of disconnecting from the community profile, I would find that unfortunate. I believe that by staying calm and focused on the issue, we can find great value in our discussions without letting ego or emotions get in the way.
Thank you again for the discussion.
...
1 reply by Rami Kaibni
Nov 15, 2024 1:46 AM
Rami Kaibni
...
Danny, thank you for your apology. I want to assure you that I’m not upset, and I understand we may have different perspectives on how issues should be handled. That said, while I respect your stance, I still feel uncomfortable with the approach you took. I would have preferred a private, direct conversation rather than a public comment, as I believe it would have helped avoid unnecessary tension and kept the focus on the main topic of discussion.
It’s important to me to maintain a positive and constructive environment in this community, and I always strive to contribute in a way that supports that. With that in mind, I’m not interested in continuing this dialogue further, as I believe we've reached an understanding, even if our approaches differ.
I wish you all the best, and I hope we can continue to see positive contributions from you, even if our paths no longer cross directly.
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Nov 14, 2024 11:18 PM
Replying to George Freeman
...
Danny,
If I were to distill one sentence from the user guidelines that embodied the whole, it would be this: Be considerate, show respect, keep your tone positive, and keep the dialogue constructive.
We risk violating that embodiment when we address concerns whose determination is not ours to make. The “report” button notifies the community engagement specialist of a believed violation of the user guidelines. The keyword is “believed,” as they decide through their process whether a violation has actually occurred.
We should err on the side of caution and leverage the “report” button or send a message to one of the community engagement specialists if we have a concern, thus keeping our roles properly delineated and reducing the likelihood of us violating that embodiment against another member of the community, whether intentional or not.
Although I understand the intentions stated, It’s just the safe and right thing to do.
George
George, well said, thank you.
In fact, one aspect of Japanese culture that has always impressed me is their remarkable sense of respect and consideration. They have an incredible ability to address even the most difficult situations with a positive, constructive tone.
What stood out to me is that they never seem to call someone out publicly or point fingers. Instead, they address issues in a thoughtful, measured way, which fostered a sense of trust and psychological safety within the team. It's this approach that truly helps build strong, cohesive environments where people feel respected and valued.
...
1 reply by Danny PMP, PgMP
Nov 15, 2024 1:47 AM
Danny PMP, PgMP
...
While it’s true that Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, consideration, and maintaining harmony, it’s also important to recognize that this approach can sometimes present challenges. For example, it can occasionally result in situations where open communication is less frequent. This indirect style may, at times, lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for improvement, as concerns may not be addressed in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the strong focus on consensus and avoiding conflict can unintentionally discourage individual expression or the sharing of differing opinions. While this respect for group harmony is valuable, finding a balance where constructive feedback can be shared openly, without compromising psychological safety or mutual respect, could help foster an environment that supports both team growth and innovation.
Additionally, while Japanese culture values honesty, there can sometimes be a lack of transparency. Being transparent is also an essential part of creating a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing transparency in a respectful manner, teams can build trust and ensure that mistakes become valuable learning opportunities.
Rami Kaibni, as far as I know, no culture encourages publicly calling someone out or pointing fingers, and this is not limited to Japanese culture. There’s no need to "overgeneralize." Based on the cultural facts I know, all cultures prioritize harmony and respect, especially in professional settings. While experience working with a few Japanese companies is valuable, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone fully understand the nuances of the Japanese working style, especially the work culture within Japan. As project managers, it is important to approach situations with facts, an open heart, and a mindset of understanding.
I value being considerate, respectful, and keeping our conversations positive and constructive, which is why I wanted to continue this dialogue here. I didn’t take offense during our discussion, as I understand that it’s about the issue at hand, not personal feelings.
As much as I feel hesitant about "reporting" (since I never intended to report anyone), perhaps it’s part of the process. I hope I’ve done the right thing in some way.
I sincerely apologize if anything I did has offended you. In my heart, I have always seen you as someone I can learn from, and I truly respect you from the bottom of my heart. Please don’t take this too personally. My intention has never been to upset you.
Hopefully we can always have open, constructive conversations without letting personal feelings interfere. If anyone feels hurt, to the point of disconnecting from the community profile, I would find that unfortunate. I believe that by staying calm and focused on the issue, we can find great value in our discussions without letting ego or emotions get in the way.
Thank you again for the discussion.
Danny, thank you for your apology. I want to assure you that I’m not upset, and I understand we may have different perspectives on how issues should be handled. That said, while I respect your stance, I still feel uncomfortable with the approach you took. I would have preferred a private, direct conversation rather than a public comment, as I believe it would have helped avoid unnecessary tension and kept the focus on the main topic of discussion.
It’s important to me to maintain a positive and constructive environment in this community, and I always strive to contribute in a way that supports that. With that in mind, I’m not interested in continuing this dialogue further, as I believe we've reached an understanding, even if our approaches differ.
I wish you all the best, and I hope we can continue to see positive contributions from you, even if our paths no longer cross directly.
...
1 reply by Danny PMP, PgMP
Nov 15, 2024 2:00 AM
Danny PMP, PgMP
...
Dear Rami Kaibni, I’m glad to hear that you're not upset. You know, sometimes when things are taken too personally, it can create unnecessary tension. While my apology comes from a place of respect for maintaining harmony, which is highly valued in Japanese culture, I also believe it’s important to remember that we should uphold mutual respect. This means avoiding directing others based on personal preferences, especially when the issue at hand isn’t personal. In a similar way to how Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of group harmony and understanding, I believe that open communication and respect for different perspectives are key to creating a positive, productive environment.
To the best of my knowledge, I haven’t discussed any personal matters and have kept the focus on the topic and the guidelines. You also have the right to "edit," and I believe you chose to stay because you felt you didn’t violate any user guidelines. You have plenty of time and the freedom to decide whether to address it or leave it as is, and I respect your decision either way. While I don’t wish to make any judgments, I fully respect your choice. My intention is always to offer a gentle reminder, out of concern and a genuine desire to maintain a positive, respectful environment while adhering to the user guidelines.
If you would prefer a private message or feel it is necessary, you are always welcome to message me anytime. No one will stop you from reaching out, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to expect someone on which method they should communicate, as long as the communication remains respectful and within the bounds of mutual respect. After all, the conversation start here, and still surrounding project management and user guidelines related issues that still relevant. Most importantly, all discussions should technically fall under the user guidelines.
That said, I truly value open communication and mutual understanding. I appreciate you sharing your perspective, and I hope we can both move forward in a way that maintains the respect and positive intent we both aim for.
I wish you good health and all the best moving forward.
In fact, one aspect of Japanese culture that has always impressed me is their remarkable sense of respect and consideration. They have an incredible ability to address even the most difficult situations with a positive, constructive tone.
What stood out to me is that they never seem to call someone out publicly or point fingers. Instead, they address issues in a thoughtful, measured way, which fostered a sense of trust and psychological safety within the team. It's this approach that truly helps build strong, cohesive environments where people feel respected and valued.
While it’s true that Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on respect, consideration, and maintaining harmony, it’s also important to recognize that this approach can sometimes present challenges. For example, it can occasionally result in situations where open communication is less frequent. This indirect style may, at times, lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities for improvement, as concerns may not be addressed in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the strong focus on consensus and avoiding conflict can unintentionally discourage individual expression or the sharing of differing opinions. While this respect for group harmony is valuable, finding a balance where constructive feedback can be shared openly, without compromising psychological safety or mutual respect, could help foster an environment that supports both team growth and innovation.
Additionally, while Japanese culture values honesty, there can sometimes be a lack of transparency. Being transparent is also an essential part of creating a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing transparency in a respectful manner, teams can build trust and ensure that mistakes become valuable learning opportunities.
Rami Kaibni, as far as I know, no culture encourages publicly calling someone out or pointing fingers, and this is not limited to Japanese culture. There’s no need to "overgeneralize." Based on the cultural facts I know, all cultures prioritize harmony and respect, especially in professional settings. While experience working with a few Japanese companies is valuable, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone fully understand the nuances of the Japanese working style, especially the work culture within Japan. As project managers, it is important to approach situations with facts, an open heart, and a mindset of understanding.
Danny, thank you for your apology. I want to assure you that I’m not upset, and I understand we may have different perspectives on how issues should be handled. That said, while I respect your stance, I still feel uncomfortable with the approach you took. I would have preferred a private, direct conversation rather than a public comment, as I believe it would have helped avoid unnecessary tension and kept the focus on the main topic of discussion.
It’s important to me to maintain a positive and constructive environment in this community, and I always strive to contribute in a way that supports that. With that in mind, I’m not interested in continuing this dialogue further, as I believe we've reached an understanding, even if our approaches differ.
I wish you all the best, and I hope we can continue to see positive contributions from you, even if our paths no longer cross directly.
Dear Rami Kaibni, I’m glad to hear that you're not upset. You know, sometimes when things are taken too personally, it can create unnecessary tension. While my apology comes from a place of respect for maintaining harmony, which is highly valued in Japanese culture, I also believe it’s important to remember that we should uphold mutual respect. This means avoiding directing others based on personal preferences, especially when the issue at hand isn’t personal. In a similar way to how Japanese culture emphasizes the importance of group harmony and understanding, I believe that open communication and respect for different perspectives are key to creating a positive, productive environment.
To the best of my knowledge, I haven’t discussed any personal matters and have kept the focus on the topic and the guidelines. You also have the right to "edit," and I believe you chose to stay because you felt you didn’t violate any user guidelines. You have plenty of time and the freedom to decide whether to address it or leave it as is, and I respect your decision either way. While I don’t wish to make any judgments, I fully respect your choice. My intention is always to offer a gentle reminder, out of concern and a genuine desire to maintain a positive, respectful environment while adhering to the user guidelines.
If you would prefer a private message or feel it is necessary, you are always welcome to message me anytime. No one will stop you from reaching out, but I don’t think it’s appropriate to expect someone on which method they should communicate, as long as the communication remains respectful and within the bounds of mutual respect. After all, the conversation start here, and still surrounding project management and user guidelines related issues that still relevant. Most importantly, all discussions should technically fall under the user guidelines.
That said, I truly value open communication and mutual understanding. I appreciate you sharing your perspective, and I hope we can both move forward in a way that maintains the respect and positive intent we both aim for.
I wish you good health and all the best moving forward.
Community Champion
