Episode #172: People Are A Pain

Why Are “People Problems” the Hardest to Solve in Business?

Most business issues — from capital shortages to inefficiencies — can be solved with time, technology, or investment. But when emotions enter the mix, logic disappears.
As the saying goes, “All of our problems walk on two legs and talk back.”

In offices across Japan and the world, leaders often face emotional breakdowns among team members — shouting matches at after-work drinks, heated budget meetings, or colleagues who simply “can’t work together.” These human conflicts drain energy and damage company culture far more than technical challenges.

Mini-summary: Business problems can be managed with systems; people problems require emotional intelligence and leadership skill.

Instead of cleaning up after conflict, it’s far better to prevent it. Unfortunately, few professionals are ever taught how to manage emotions effectively. Leaders must model and teach self-control, empathy, and communication.

Dale Carnegie Training, with over 100 years of global expertise and 60+ years in Tokyo, emphasizes that emotional control is a learnable skill — one that determines workplace harmony and performance.

Mini-summary: Emotional intelligence is not innate — it’s a discipline every leader can develop and teach.

1. Get Cerebral

Write down your anger. Draft that unsent email where you say exactly what you feel — then don’t send it. This helps you release emotion safely.

2. Ask for Input

Consult an impartial colleague or mentor. A neutral third party provides valuable perspective when emotions cloud your judgment.

3. Get Physical

Move your body, not your mouth. A walk, gym session, or even deep breathing helps release tension before it explodes.

4. Reflect

Consider the situation from the other person’s viewpoint. Recognize pressures they may face, and how your own behavior contributed.

5. Sleep on It

Emotions fade overnight. Revisit your notes or email in the morning — most conflicts aren’t worth your mental energy.

6. Pick Your Battles

Not every issue deserves your full emotional investment. Choose wisely when to engage — and when to rise above.

Mini-summary: Leadership maturity means mastering emotional self-regulation before managing others.

Organizations thrive when employees take responsibility for their actions and reactions.
Training in communication, empathy, and stress management helps prevent “people problems” from turning into deeper cultural conflicts.

Programs such as leadership training, sales training, and executive coaching offered by Dale Carnegie Tokyo help both Japanese and multinational companies develop emotionally intelligent leaders who foster collaboration instead of conflict.

Mini-summary: Emotional intelligence is the foundation of a healthy and high-performing corporate culture.

• Most workplace issues are emotional, not technical.

• Emotional control can be learned and practiced.

• Leaders must model calm, empathy, and perspective.

• Investing in communication and leadership training prevents future conflicts.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and organizations worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI training.
Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower both Japanese and multinational corporations to build emotionally intelligent, high-performing teams.