Effective leadership in Japan works through building agreement rather than issuing commands. Before decisions are announced, groundwork happens—consulting with stakeholders, hearing concerns, adjusting proposals, building consensus. The formal decision ratifies what has already been negotiated.
This requires patience and relationship investment. You cannot simply decide and announce. You must do the consultation work, accommodate legitimate concerns, and bring people along.
This approach preserves relationships and dignity—people implement what they agreed to, not what they were ordered to do. Direct commands are reserved for emergencies. Normal leadership achieves results through means that maintain harmony and respect.
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