Stories Lead The Way – Success Story From Japan
June 29, 2009
There's More Beyond
I have a wonderful fan from Japan who wrote to me recently saying, “Annie, I just want you to know that I had to make a presentation to a group in my company to try to get them to do things they have never done before. I used the the “Plus Ultra” story from your blog with great success.” His use of story to lead his team to new places was such a great example of the true power of story, that I asked him if I could share it and he willingly agreed.
So here is the story of a leader from Japan who urged his team to go further beyond:
I am a partner in a global accounting firm. I have been doing this work for almost 30 years in five countries. In Tokyo, as a foreigner, I am an advisor. I can only try to influence and suggest action. Often, we foreigners suggest the implementation of methodologies and practices from the U.S. that the Japanese resist for a variety of reasons. Most of the reasons are some version of the theme that Japan is different or that the Japanese are different. That is true, of course, but from my point of view, the issue is not “if” it should be implemented, but “how” it should be localized.
I advise a Japanese client service engagement team. In the case below, I had to make a presentation to a group, led by a gentleman named Takefumi (Tak). My goal was to try to get them to do things they have never done before. I began the presentation with the Plus Ultra story that I found on Annie’s blog: http://anniehart.com/2009/05/how-stories-change-the-world/.
I built the message of “go further beyond” into each of the four action steps that I wanted them to take. I suggested that the team implement four methodologies that are successful in the U.S. but which have not been tried at all or only in a limited way before.
Tak is the new leader of the team. His predecessor was reluctant to consider any of the action steps. So, with a new leader, I thought I would try again.
When I followed up with Tak the next day, much to my surprise, he was already convinced of the need for change and to go further beyond. He liked the story and the powerful meaning it had for him and his team. After several more conversations, he is fully onboard with three of the four steps. And, given that the fourth step is not too popular in the U.S. either, it may have been an “action step too far” for now.
But I consider this to be a success. Annie, I eagerly await your next story. Maybe I can get to the fourth action step afterall! I want to thank you for the story.
Annie’s note: Isn’t this a great story! Let it inspire your actions in the world today. You CAN make a difference through the stories you tell.
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