Christian Manager
Hi All,
Do you have an experience with 'nemawashi' method and how it works? I have recently understood that this is the only method that works for Japanese businesses, but I would like to understand more from experts with direct experience in applying it.
Many thanks,
Christian
Chuck LEAN Business Consultant
Marieta Lean Consultant Legal Sector
Hi Christian,
that is a really good challenge and thank you for raising it on the platform.The literal translation from Japanese into English of “nemawashi” means “moving the tree”. It comes from the extreme care you need to put in moving a small tree (e.g.cherry) from one part of your garden to another without killing it in the process. You unearth the roots little by little and wait for them to become thicker and stronger thanks to the exposure to the sun. Only when the roots as strong enough, you move the tree to a more suitable location.
The analogy to the decision-making process is as follows:
1. Unearthing the roots: identify the right stakeholders (always plenty)
2. Fortify the roots: having 1-2-1 discussion with each stakeholder and give them time to talk to each other
3. Moving the tree: make the final decision when all the stakeholders are in agreement (stronger roots).
If you need help with that method, I am happy to connect you with really good consultants who know how to implement it. Let me know.
Best,
Marieta
Bring your startup/business/company
to the next level.
Hi Christian:
Interesting challenge
Here is my experience:
Nemawashi is a Japanese term that literally translated means ‘work around the roots’. It is a consensus-building technique that aims at removing obstacles to proposal approval by seeking an informal audience with the decision-makers before a formal meeting is held.
The concept is not about lobbying as many people think of it because with lobbying there is a hint of unprofessional conduct involved. Lobbying would mean doing all that you can to get your project approved even if it means politics and bribing people. In Nemawashi, people use informal meetings to seek approval so that the process can take less time and to get everyone on the same page.
I hope this helps you.