6 Lessons From The Japanese Culture

6 Lessons from Japanese Culture:

Many a businessman transplanted to the Land of the Rising Sun has come back with tales of culture shock and bewilderment. To us in the West, Japanese culture remains a mystery wrapped in an enigma.

But beneath its perplexing surface lies an extremely productive and effective society, as evidenced by their economic muscle. Nonetheless, the Japanese are rigidly ceremonious when it comes to making deals. To the foreigner, or gaijin, as the locals call them, Japanese business customs seem so deeply entrenched in their foreign culture and traditions that they couldn't possibly work for us in the West.

But look past the rituals themselves and you'll see concepts that are well worth emulating, such as respect for elders, attention to detail and an almost religious commitment to having fun after work.

Here's a breakdown of lessons we can learn from our brethren in the Far East.

1- Venerate the business card

A meeting in Japan starts with a formal and highly ceremonious exchange of business cards, a ritual referred to as meishi kokan. When receiving a card, a businessman takes it with both hands, reads it over carefully, repeats the printed information aloud, and then places it in a cardholder or on the table in front of him, referring to it in conversation when needed. He never drops it in his pocket. That is considered disrespectful.

What it teaches us:

The business card exchange is a way of expressing the importance one places on an encounter. It shows that you value the meeting, just as you'll value future ones.

How we can adapt it:

You'll look silly or even mocking if you do the full meishi routine in a North American office. When you do receive a business card, however, take the time to absorb the information on it. It can't hurt to actually remember a potentially valuable contact's name, and you'll look rude if you just flippantly cram their card in whatever pocket is closest.

2- Defer to your elders

It's customary in a meeting in Japan to always direct one's initial comments to the highest-ranking person present. One never disagrees with him and always gives him his due attention. When bowing -- the standard Japanese greeting -- one should always bow deepest to the most senior man.

What it teaches us:

Japanese business culture values its elders for the wisdom and experience they provide to the company. Age equals rank in Japan, so the older the person, the more important he is.

How we can adapt it:

Defer to those with seniority, or above you in the corporate ladder. If you disagree with a manager, express your grievances in private, and never question his authority in front of the group. Acknowledge that people are promoted to higher levels because of their skill and experience (cronyism and nepotism notwithstanding).

3- Instill motivation through slogans

Many Japanese businesses start their day off with a morning meeting, where workers line up and chant the company's slogans as a way of inspiring motivation and loyalty, and as a means of keeping the company's goals fresh in their minds.

What it teaches us:

On the surface this ritual may look like some kind of cultish indoctrination, but it's the Japanese equivalent of the motivational pep talk. Morning rallies serve as a daily reminder of the company's long-term goals, which can get obscured by the daily grind of individual tasks.

How we can adapt it:

Remind yourself each time you sit at your desk what you're working for. Refresh your long-term goals in your mind, and stay aware of how essential teamwork is to getting there. Keep a checklist of your own slogans handy so that you can reference them when you feel discouraged or doubtful.

4- Keep a straight face

You'll never see poker faces like the ones seen in a Japanese office. Except for the occasional burst of laughter, workers generally remain expressionless, particularly during meetings. They speak in a low, measured tone, and will often close their eyes when paying close attention to a speaker -- a habit that foreigners mistake for a sign of boredom.

What it teaches us:

The Japanese have an almost religious respect for the workplace. Humor is seldom used, except for light banter during breaks.