Trying to get buy-in at work but hitting a wall? You’re not alone. From boardrooms in Tokyo to hybrid teams across APAC, influencing others
The Secret to Changing Minds at Work? Listen Smarter
In Japan, where indirectness is often the norm and hierarchy shapes dialogue, it’s easy for leaders to misread silence as agreement. But silence can mean discomfort, misalignment, or fear of conflict.
As a leader, your job is to create conditions where people feel safe to speak up. You don’t need to abandon harmony: you need to redefine it.
Influence isn’t about being the loudest voice or having the final word. It’s about creating moments where people feel heard, respected, and ready to move forward together.
So if you want to change minds at work - start by listening differently.