The phrase “nemawashi” in Japanese has a very specific connotation. When it’s used in gardening, it means that when moving a plant, you should cut all the way around the roots so as to not disturb its growth and make its transition into new soil a little smoother. When applied in a business context, it means something similar.
In business spaces, the term represents the idea of laying a good foundation before any big change is made. This can be done through informal discussions before making big decisions, or making an unofficial proposal before you actually do it.
The Purpose of Nemawashi
There are a few purposes to nemawashi:
- Avoiding Surprises: By discussing ideas and potential changes beforehand, nemawashi helps to avoid unexpected objections during formal meetings. This leads to smoother decision-making processes and fewer disagreements.
- Building Consensus: It ensures that everyone involved has been consulted and their worries addressed. This helps make everyone feel like a part of the process of making a decision.
- Enhancing Relationships: The informal nature of nemawashi allows for more personal interactions, which can strengthen relationships in the workplace.
The Informal Process of Nemawashi
Nemawashi is largely an informal procedure. But it’s still good to follow a few steps, such as:
- Initial Informal Discussions: Key players in the decision-making are approached individually or in small groups to discuss the idea or proposal. Everyone gives their feedback and adjustments to the proposal are made accordingly.
- Gradual Development: The proposal is refined through more iterative discussions, taking into account the input from all relevant parties. This stage is critical for building consensus and ensuring that the proposal aligns with the organisation’s values and goals.
- Formal Proposal: Once a broad consensus is reached informally, the proposal is presented in a formal setting, such as a meeting or presentation. By this point, significant objections have typically been resolved, making formal approval more likely.
Navigating Nemawashi as a Foreigner in Japan
While nemawashi has many advantages, it also has potential drawbacks. The process can be time-consuming and may slow down decision-making. Additionally, it might be perceived as lacking transparency if key decisions are largely determined outside of formal meetings.
For foreigners working in Japan or with Japanese companies, understanding and engaging in nemawashi can be challenging. It requires patience, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to engage in less formal, more indirect communication styles.
In Western cultures, we like to be quite headstrong during business. In fact, most workplaces encourage us to take initiative. But, in Japan, the idea of nemawashi serves to remind each worker that they are a part of a team, and that we should all be kept in the loop.
