Yesterday, I had an insightful discussion with the head of HR of a very large Japanese corporation.
In her opinion, the communication skills on the Japanese side, apart from those who already spoke good English, were deteriorating on average.
She was specifically referring to Japanese colleagues who did not feel confident speaking English and were therefore relying heavily on AI tools in meetings (translation, summaries etc.) and mails to communicate.
In her own words:
"AI translation tools are the opposite of real communication skills as they offer only a virtual semblance of a conversation.
Besides grammar and vocabulary, cultural understanding, empathy and a real interest in your counterpart are vital to really communicate!"
After an initial bout of euphoria, I am more and more convinced that, in Japanese companies, AI tools like automatic translation/meeting summaries can actually be bad for real communication skills!
The one tool that is vital for any Japanese regardless of their role or department is the skilful use of the English language.
Communicating is not just about taking a message from Japanese and replacing the exact words with English.
Whether collaborating with non-Japanese team members or managing local staff a deeper understanding of language and cultural context is needed because “communication is not what we want to say but how it is received by our colleagues, staff and clients”.
I often compare that phenomenon to finding a miracle solution to a challenge that proves to be detrimental in the long run.
If you start to learn an instrument but attach an AI device that plays everything for you once you start moving your fingers, you will never learn to play on your own...
Of course, this conundrum is not limited to Japan but it is a pronounced problem for many of our clients!
(Here is related article on this topic)
To counter that challenge, JCO has launched a new 10-week training program (1h per session) for Japanese staff that focuses on practicing key communication skills like discussing, giving feedback, presenting and leading meetings etc.
The program is a very practical and interactive mix of reviewing the correct Business English for concrete scenarios (a different one each session), light coaching and role plays.
See here for details
(by Nikolaus Mach-Hour, VP Global Strategy)
