(by Olivier van Beneden, founder of JCO)
In my 20 years of experience delivering training workshops, I’ve worked with participants from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Japanese, Europeans, and Americans. These years of hands-on experience have taught me a fascinating lesson: the approach to learning varies significantly depending on the audience.
One metaphor captures this perfectly: learning to swim before or after jumping into the water.
When non-Japanese participants, I can simply outline the objective of an exercise—be it a role-play or a simulation—and they’re eager to dive right in. Their mindset often embraces experimentation and a willingness to learn through trial and error. Afterward, we collectively analyze their performance and extract best practices. This approach builds on their natural preference for experiential learning and an iterative process of improvement.
With Japanese participants, however, this approach requires adaptation. Jumping straight into role-plays without providing a clear “how-to” tends to create discomfort. Cultural norms emphasize the importance of preparation, avoiding making mistakes, and understanding the expected outcome before acting. Therefore, I’ve learned to guide Japanese participants by first showing them how to execute the exercise effectively. By demonstrating best practices upfront, it allows them to approach the exercise with confidence and clarity.
This cultural difference isn’t about capability; it’s about mindset and learning style. For some, diving in and learning as they go is empowering. For others, being equipped with the right tools and techniques first is essential to complete the exercise successfully.
When training or managing Japanese colleagues, it is important to take this learning preference into account. Providing clear instructions and avoiding throwing them into unknown territories without guidance ensures smoother collaboration and better outcomes.
After all, it’s about recognizing that effective learning starts with recognizing each other’s learning style: Whether it’s learning to swim first or diving into the water right away.
Learn more about topics like these in our open workshops all around the world!
