Discovering new learning in Japan

Twenty eight senior managers - total strangers, picked from diverse industries, were offered a fully subsidized scholarship from JASTICA (Japan Sri Lanka Technical & Cultural Association) facilitated by AOTS (Association for Overseas Technical Scholarship), to travel to Japan and spend an intense two weeks of learning the world renowned Japanese Corporate Culture. This is the fifth batch of such managers sent on a similar programme by JASTICA.

The objectives of this program were many. Firstly, it was to forge closer relationships with the two countries where there would be very positive inter country ties built in the long term, that would undoubtedly be mutually beneficial.

Secondly, it was to make the Sri Lankan corporates and businessmen experience the unique Japanese Corporate Culture which in some form could be applied to the local businesses to garner higher productivity and growth. Finally, it was to foster new networks, relationships and build an alumnus of people who could make a difference to their personal and professional lives through new learnings and new friendships.

The group was picked via a vigorous selection process which lasted a couple of months. After an extremely efficient pre planning process carried out by the JASTICA officials, the group took flight on the 23rd of February 2009.

Total strangers, varying expectations, different experiences, skepticism, and discomfort due to perceived unknown experiences, formed mixed emotions of one and all. Two females amongst twenty six males were significant too.

The group didn't lose any time in politely getting to know one another from the start, right throughout the long, long journey of almost twenty four hours from Colombo to Nagoya. Long hours spent in buses, planes and airports helped this process.

Eventually, by the time the team landed in CKC Nagoya, the place where it all happened, the group had almost broken the ice amidst the icy cold weather!

From the very next morning it was strictly business. The regimented time table where punctuality was the most crucial aspect had to be strictly followed at all times. For Sri Lankans to whom time and punctuality is not a religion by any stretch of imagination, this basic expectation was the most difficult, yet adhered to and practiced alien cultural lesson in the course. This simple Japanese trait translates into basic respect and appreciation of another human being. An extremely significant lesson we Sri Lankans conveniently dismiss.

The two weeks were packed with lectures, study tours, presentations, group work and of course loads of fun and friendship. The study tours were arranged so that the theoretical knowledge imparted in class was demonstrated via practical management styles adopted in the Japanese companies. Since ninety percent or so of companies comprise the Japanese SME sector, it was amazing to see how these principles were adapted for higher productivity and efficiency.

A memorable visit was to the Toyota Factory where JIT, Jidoka, Kaizan, Cumbung Systems and many other productivity tools were practiced effortlessly. "Good Thinking. Good Products" - Toyota's Credo, taught the Sri Lankan visitors an important lesson on idea based production.

Panasonic Museum was another highlight of the study tour where a simple man's vision, drive and philosophy had shaped an industry and in turn molded thousands of people for many years.

Konosuke Matsushita's renowned management principles need special mention specifically in today's trying times of business ethics.

Contribution to society, fairness and honesty, corporation and team spirit, untiring effort for improvement, courtesy and humility, adaptability and gratitude are virtues that most corporates and businesses can adapt for a more ethical and humane business culture in the present business climate.

One of the many significant learnings was the fact that the Japanese Corporates seemed to focus their business much more towards the people and the society as opposed to the bottom line. It was a pleasant realization to learn how making the employees, customers and society happy impacts the bottom line and not vice versa as we seem to believe in our local business culture.

Every Japanese business seems to examine the corporate purpose - 'what positive impact would my business do to the society'. This was felt to be a unique differentiator that was picked up by the group during the course.

Precision, attention to detail, humility, humbleness, helpful nature, loyalty, dedication, team spirit are just a few virtues that have helped the Japanese to get to where they are today.

Of course cracks seem to be appearing slowly but surely, especially in the big cities with values dwindling at both societal levels and corporate levels.

The programme allowed the participants to take advantage of the trip by taking the opportunity to see as much as possible of Japan in a private capacity as there were two weekends allotted for personal time.

Train trips to places such as Hiroshima, Mount Fuji and Tokyo were some of the opportunities grabbed by the group to explore more.

All these meant greater bonding and enhanced fellowship for the participants.

After quite a hectic two weeks of fun-filled learning, the group who took wings as strangers returned to Sri Lanka as a group of friends. This new group of friends have since been meeting and bonding quite frequently on both cyber spaces, meeting rooms and clubs in high spirits!