Episode #220: How To Glue Your Team Together

In today’s Japanese and global business environments, many leaders are promoted for their technical expertise or seniority — not necessarily for their ability to inspire others. Whether they are high achievers, functional experts, or long-serving veterans, many lack essential communication and people skills that truly unite a team.

To build a successful team, leaders must master both: the ability to connect and the ability to motivate. Below are nine practical principles — the “adhesives” that hold great teams together.

Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.
When leaders criticize, people stop listening and start defending. Instead of building accountability, criticism creates barriers. Replace blame with curiosity — ask what can be learned or improved together.
Summary: Replace criticism with constructive conversation to maintain trust and collaboration.

2. How Do You Motivate People Authentically?

Give honest and sincere appreciation.
Empty praise is transparent. Instead, become a “good finder” — recognize specific actions and real achievements. Highlight what people do well and how it impacts the team’s success.
Summary: Specific, genuine appreciation builds trust and long-term motivation.

3. How Can You Align Your Team’s Goals with the Organization’s Vision?

Arouse in the other person an eager want.
When leaders communicate goals, they often focus on what they want. Instead, connect team members’ personal ambitions with organizational objectives. Engagement rises when people see what’s in it for them.
Summary: Inspire by aligning company goals with individual motivations.

4. Why Is Genuine Interest in Others a Leadership Superpower?

Become genuinely interested in other people.
Leaders succeed when they flip the focus from themselves to their teams. Dale Carnegie research shows that employees feel highly engaged when they feel valued by their immediate supervisor.
Summary: Show real interest in what your people value — that’s how you earn loyalty and commitment.

5. How Does Your Mood Impact Team Performance?

Smile.
A leader’s energy sets the tone. Under pressure, it’s easy to appear serious or stressed. But your facial expression communicates far more than you think. A genuine smile lifts morale and helps your team stay positive under pressure.
Summary: A simple smile can elevate team morale and productivity.

6. How Important Is Remembering Names in Building Trust?

Remember names.
Names are personal — they represent identity and respect. Learn not just your team’s names but their families’ or pets’ names if possible. People appreciate leaders who pay attention to details that matter to them.
Summary: Remembering names shows care, attention, and leadership presence.

7. What’s the Secret to Making People Feel Heard?

Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
True listening is rare. When leaders genuinely listen, people feel recognized and respected. Don’t interrupt or rush to respond — listen to understand, not to reply.
Summary: Listening is the foundation of trust and innovation.

8. How Can You Speak in a Way That Truly Connects?

Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
Tailor communication around what matters to your team. When employees see that their interests align with the company’s, engagement and results soar.
Summary: Focus your communication on shared interests and mutual success.

9. How Do You Make People Feel Valued Every Day?

Make the other person feel important — and do it sincerely.
People want to feel their work matters. Recognize each individual’s contribution and connect it to the bigger picture. Avoid flattery — authenticity is key.
Summary: Show genuine appreciation for every role; it drives lasting engagement.

• Leadership success comes from emotional intelligence, not authority.

• Communication and people skills drive engagement and performance.

• Dale Carnegie principles remain timeless across cultures and business environments in Tokyo.

• Genuine appreciation and empathy create loyal, high-performing teams.

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. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower both Japanese and multinational companies with proven communication and leadership training programs.