Running a successful business requires sharp focus on cost control, maintaining quality, building the brand, staying alert to competitors, and appealing to stakeholders. However, a growing challenge in today's business world is managing people. In Japan, there’s a rising concern about attracting and retaining qualified staff. The once abundant pool of candidates is shrinking, with more industries facing staffing shortages. Employees now have multiple job options, making it essential for businesses to stand out and ensure they keep their employees satisfied.

People don't leave companies, they leave bosses. With the rise of online reviews, job seekers can easily evaluate potential employers before applying. A poor workplace culture or mistreatment by management can lead to high turnover. Engaged employees, on the other hand, feel valued and are less likely to leave. Middle managers play a crucial role in maintaining employee engagement and ensuring a positive work environment.

The leadership challenge is evolving, requiring middle managers to treat staff well, communicate effectively, and provide timely, specific praise. Flexible work arrangements and understanding personal needs, like family care, are becoming more important, as traditional HR models are evolving. Additionally, the importance of innovation and delegation is growing. Senior leaders should focus on coaching and developing their staff, fostering a culture where employees feel appreciated and motivated to contribute ideas.

To retain top talent, businesses must invest in creating a positive work culture. Leaders must recognize that their staff's well-being and engagement are as critical as business performance. Middle managers need to adapt to the changing expectations of the workforce, and companies must acknowledge the growing importance of people management for sustained success.

When delivering a great presentation, it's easy to feel satisfied, especially when the audience is soaking up your content. But the challenge comes when things are going well, and you want to elevate them to the next level. I recently attended a presentation where the speaker nailed it: the content was relevant, the room was packed, and the delivery was top-notch. But even with all these elements in place, there was still one thing missing that could have made the presentation even more powerful.

The speaker did a fantastic job presenting broad industry trends and future projections, which kept the audience engaged and excited. However, the talk could have been even better if it had connected those big-picture trends to the daily challenges faced by the audience. While discussing the future direction is essential, it’s equally important to show the audience how they can apply that information in their day-to-day work.

Rather than just presenting theories and predictions, offering practical, actionable takeaways would have made the presentation even more impactful. These could have been a few steps that the audience could start using right away to adapt to the changes coming in their industry. By linking macro-level trends to the micro-level actions people can take, the speaker would have made the talk more relevant and valuable.

When preparing an "inform" style presentation, try to focus on five key takeaways. Offering too many steps can overwhelm the audience, while five actionable points are manageable and memorable. These takeaways give the audience a sense of accomplishment and leave them feeling more prepared for the future. So, next time you're presenting, consider adding those concrete steps to help your audience take immediate action and feel empowered.

In Japan, politeness and formality go hand in hand, shaping interactions in ways that might feel unfamiliar to people from more casual cultures like the United States, Australia, or Canada. While some European countries may find Japan’s structured approach more familiar, many Western visitors are surprised by just how much etiquette matters—especially in business and official settings.

One of the most formal experiences I had in Japan was accompanying Australian Ambassador John McCarthy when he presented his credentials to the Emperor. It was a grand occasion, starting with a waiting room at Tokyo Station, followed by a horse-drawn carriage procession, and attended by a senior Japanese Cabinet minister. Every movement—walking, standing, speaking, even sitting—was carefully choreographed. The level of formality was truly something to behold.

Surprisingly, my second most formal experience wasn’t at a government event, but with Osaka fishmongers. These business leaders, who buy a lot of Australian seafood, took the introduction of Ambassador Dr. Ashton Calvert very seriously. It was a powerful reminder of Japan’s deep respect for hierarchy and tradition.

But formality in Japan isn’t just reserved for official events—it’s part of everyday interactions. I once attended a meeting with the Vice-Governor of Osaka, and his upright, composed posture stood in stark contrast to my Australian guest, who sat back and relaxed. It was a clear example of how different cultural norms can sometimes be misinterpreted.

Business meetings in Japan often take place in grand rooms with large chairs spaced far apart, making conversations feel a bit formal and distant. Foreigners might instinctively move closer when demonstrating a product, which can be a breach of etiquette—but a quick apology helps smooth things over.

Japanese politeness also extends beyond meetings. A small but meaningful gesture, like walking a guest all the way to the elevator instead of just to the door, is a sign of respect. These thoughtful details are woven into everyday life in Japan, though they might not always be obvious to visitors.

For anyone doing business in Japan, embracing formality is key to making a good impression. While foreigners won’t be expected to act exactly like locals, showing an effort to follow cultural norms goes a long way in earning trust and respect. And after business hours? That’s when Japan’s love for informality shines, offering a welcome balance to the day’s structured interactions.