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Issue 034Nemawashi: a Japanese method for building better business relationships |
Isn't it intriguing how certain concepts can resonate across cultures?I revisited a fascinating example while curating content for this latest newsletter: the Japanese art of Nemawashi, a method for achieving consensus.Designers often find themselves at the intersection of creativity and functionality, and the collaborative nature of our work requires clear communication and mutual understanding with stakeholders. Nemawashi's transparent approach to consensus-building can be a game-changer for designers tackling this part of their role.By fostering open dialogues, it ensures that design visions are aligned with business objectives, resulting in design outcomes that are not only user-centred, but also business-effective.This method can reduce potential friction and streamline the design process, making it an invaluable strategy for any discipline.As I dived back into the topic, I returned to Erin ‘Folletto’ Casali's insightful perspective on the this fascinating relationship-building technique.
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Nemawashi, which can be literally translated as "going around the roots," is a traditional Japanese consensus-building process that is often utilised in both business and social contexts. The process involves...
1. Preliminary Discussions
Before making a formal proposal or decision, an individual will have informal conversations with all relevant stakeholders. This is done to gauge their opinions, gather feedback, and understand any potential concerns.
2. Gathering Support
These early discussions are also a way to secure support, or at least to ensure there are no strong objections before the idea is officially presented. The process can help identify potential allies who can champion the proposal.
3. Modification
Based on feedback received during the preliminary discussions, the proposal or idea might be modified or refined to address concerns or to integrate suggestions.
4. Formal Presentation
After conducting nemawashi - when the proposal is formally presented - there is often little to no opposition because stakeholders are already aware of it and their concerns have been addressed. This makes the decision-making process smoother and more efficient.
5. Implementation
With a broad consensus achieved, implementing the decision becomes easier, as most of the groundwork has already been laid and stakeholders are on board.
The nemawashi process is built on the principle of respect for others, understanding that decisions are more effectively made and implemented when there's broad agreement and understanding among those involved.
By emphasizing early communication and feedback, nemawashi minimizes surprises and resistance later on.
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"Nemawashi is not groupthink or design by committee. The approach needs to be used to reinforce and improve the idea, not to dilute and twist it."
Erin ‘Folletto’ Casali
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Erin brilliantly unpacks how the Japanese ethos of nemawashi can pave the way for transforming our ideas into reality. Its beauty lies in its approach: “we build consensus transparently, rather than imposing it”.
For those in the design realm looking to bridge gaps with the business side, nemawashi might just be the tool you've been missing.
And for those with burning questions, Erin's piece wraps up with a handy Q&A, shedding light on this enlightening process.
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Have you explored nemawashi in your workplace? I'd love to hear about your experience.
Get in touch and I might share your stories and questions in a future newsletter.
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