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.

“Think of harmony not as avoiding conflict, but as resolving tension through shared understanding.”
— Karin Wellbrock
Final Thought
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.

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 can feel like a battle of logic, but the real key is how you listen. Based on new research, practical tools, and cross-cultural leadership insights, this article explores how curiosity, storytelling, and civility can help leaders change minds without creating friction. To know more visit our website.