Five personality traits you must cultivate if you want to succeed in a Japanese company.
1.
Flexibility – The art of being responsive to change; adaptable.
Unless you have previous experience working with Japanese, the simple reality of working in a Japanese company indicates a need for flexibility. The corporate culture is different. Your co-workers may not think like you. You’re not accustomed to the way decisions are made. A sudden change in conditions will require a response; you’ll have to be willing to try different ways of accomplishing your objectives.
2.
Modesty - The ability to display a moderate estimation of your talents, abilities, and value; a disinclination
to call attention to yourself.
Teamwork and group are crucial concepts in Japanese companies. You’ll need to be comfortable in sharing recognition and awards with your team and acknowledging the contributions of others. The fact that your expressed opinions may not always be right and may not be accepted won't prompt you to hand in your resignation.
3.
Hardworking - Characterized by hard work and perseverance
No surprise here! It won’t be easy to learn the system and the culture. But, you weren’t looking for easy, were you? And, once you learn the system, change will require more work, developing relationships, networks, and building consensus. As if that’s not enough, you might be expected to put in extra hours. Completing assignments on time and producing high-quality work won’t hurt either. But if you thrive on challenge and enjoy working with people, your hard work will reap rewards.
4.
Sensitive - An ease in perceiving and understanding the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of your colleagues.
Japanese verbal communications are much more indirect than American speech. Traditional Japanese are comfortable with silence and its use in personal interaction. Concern about offending may prevent someone from saying exactly what they mean. It helps if you’re observant, perceptive and learn to read between the lines and understand the subtext of a conversation.
5.
Patience -
Calm, in control and possessing the ability to tolerate delay.
OK, I hear you. You’re already asking me to walk on water. You expect me to be patient about it too? Well, sure. The decision-making process in Japanese companies may be slow. Learning a new job, a new culture, a new organization, takes patience. Taking time to learn the system before you try to change it requires self-control. You can do it.
Take heart from one of the basic reasons for Japanese companies' success--their tendency to plan for several years instead of the next six months. Similarly, if you can focus on the long-term goal instead of short-term gain, you will succeed.
- Adapted from
The Sun also Rises over Toledo:
Practical tips for Americans working with or for Japanese companies in the U.S.
Take heart from one of the basic reasons for Japanese companies' success--their tendency to plan for several years instead of the next six months. Similarly, if you can focus on the long-term goal instead of short-term gain, you will succeed.
