During the last 30 years, if the Dow Jones had increased in proportion to rudeness, we would all be billionaires. With the stresses of a lean and mean environment coupled with the need to be more efficient ( I didn’t say effectiveness) we are becoming inhumane.

When I worked for a Japanese company ( Panasonic) during the early 1990’s, I loved the climate of etiquette and respect not previously experienced in my 18 years of previous employment with American employers. Example: Japanese managers usually stopped their work when associated or subordinated walked into their office. Interpersonal relationships are of utmost importance.

Finally, the culture does not operate on the “what did you do for me today”? mentality. Age and experience are regarded as signs of wisdom and maturity. Let’s explore some suggestions considered important to Japanese executives and how they can be adapted to our culture:

* Never do business with someone you don’t like. As a homogeneous culture, it is easier for the Japanese to like and understand each other.For our culture, it is not important to like each other. However, what about respect for each other? We frequently overlook the simple tasks: being on time for meetings, returning phone calls, following up on a verbal promise etc.

* Never disagree or argue. Yes, to not arguing. The goal with arguing is to aggressively persuade someone who sees the situation or problem from a different perspective. Arguing with hostile body language and harsh tone of voice creates alienation and separation. I disagree with the Japanese suggestion not to disagree. Disagreement , minus the threat of of an escalating conflict that is ego centered, is healthy in establishing the guidelines for progress and improvement.Harmony is the end result of disagreement practiced skillfully.

* Consider a mistake by a team member as everyone’s mistake. This is an idea we rarely practice. Rather, we generally look for a scapegoat and waste an extraordinary amount of time. Sadly, the scapegoat usually is the lowest employee in the hierarchy as blame spirals downward. Practicing blame-phobia is a back door method to improved relations and productivity.

* Don’t be the first to try a new idea.Japanese do not want to be out of step with colleagues or appear superior. This approach, for us in the West, is an enormous challenge. Please consider the following: Ideas that are ego driven promote superiority and arrogance, creating unhealthy competition and territorial-ism. However, what about ideas that recognize others and are promoted for the benefit of the organization. Recognizing co-workers and the organization is about respect. Suggestion: Next time you are tempted or blow off a co-worker or customer, think about how you would feel if the boss did that to you!