Episode #232: The Leader Is The Mood Maker

When executives rise to the top floor, the carpet thickens and the atmosphere quiets. Yet, with every floor climbed, distance from the “troops” widens. Leadership influence weakens when visibility fades. Even when surrounded by capable direct reports, the true catalyst for motivation is you — the mood maker at the top.

A disconnected leader risks an invisible influence. A visible leader shapes culture daily.

Mini-summary: The higher your position, the greater the need to stay emotionally and physically present with your team.

President Yasuyuki Nambu of Pasona Group offers a model worth emulating. His executives sit in an open-plan workspace — fully visible and accessible. To reach his office, visitors walk through the same space and even the company cafeteria. His message is clear: leadership should never hide.

By intentionally designing visibility, Nambu-san ensures connection remains alive in a large organization — proving that leadership presence is more than symbolic; it’s strategic.

Mini-summary: Visibility builds credibility and influence. Leaders who stay seen, stay relevant.

In their management classic In Search of Excellence, Tom Peters and Bob Waterman introduced MBWA (Management By Wandering Around) — a timeless leadership habit. Walking the floor allows leaders to read the team’s emotional pulse, engage in real dialogue, and demonstrate authentic concern.

For Japanese executives, this mirrors the spirit of chorei (朝礼) — the morning gathering where communication and connection start the day right.

Mini-summary: MBWA and chorei both remind us that leadership begins with presence and human connection.

At the Ritz-Carlton, every team, every shift, everywhere in the world, reviews the Service Principles daily. The CEO joins the ritual when in town — modeling consistency from the top. Leadership is not proclaimed; it’s performed.

I adapted this model while leading at Shinsei Retail Bank, creating our version of customer principles reviewed every morning. Participation was mandatory for all, from branch staff to executives. The outcome: alignment, energy, and shared purpose across all levels.

Mini-summary: Ritualized leadership visibility creates cultural unity across global or dispersed teams.

At Dale Carnegie Training Japan, our daily “Daily Dale” ritual embodies visible leadership. Every morning, as long as two people are in the office, we meet — no exceptions. A different team member leads each day, and I always participate.

We draw from our 30 Human Relations Principles and 30 Stress Management Principles — connecting them to real business challenges. I don’t give motivational talks daily; instead, I inject passion strategically. Even when I’m tired, I project energy. Leadership isn’t about reflecting moods — it’s about setting them.

Mini-summary: Mood-making is the act of modeling enthusiasm, clarity, and purpose — every single day.

• Visibility is leadership — physical and emotional presence drive culture.

• Rituals like MBWA and chorei keep teams aligned and energized.

• Leaders set the emotional tone; moods cascade downward.

• Daily consistency builds lasting credibility and engagement.

Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and organizations worldwide in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, continues to empower both Japanese and multinational companies through globally proven programs in leadership training, sales training, presentation skills, and executive coaching.