How Assertive Communication Builds Inclusion and Drives Diversity in Japan

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida recently declared,

“My mission is to create a society where anyone, regardless of age, gender or position, can play an active role and where people with various experiences and backgrounds inspire each other.”

Most Japanese companies agree with this vision and are actively pursuing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Yet the true foundation of diversity begins not with numbers, but with inclusion — a culture where every voice can be heard and respected.

The challenge arises when disagreements occur.
Conflicts about budgets, client ownership, or project priorities can divide teams. Poorly managed, these moments create distance, resentment, and hostility — the very opposite of inclusion.

Mini-summary:
True diversity begins with inclusion — and inclusion begins with communication that bridges differences.

When conflict arises, people typically respond in one of three ways:

1. Passive: avoid confrontation, stay silent, and deny their own input — a “denial of service” to the team.

2. Aggressive: push opinions forcefully, ignore others, and dominate — leading to tension.

3. Assertive: express views confidently yet respectfully, blending clarity with diplomacy.

Being assertive is the optimal balance. Passive members need to speak up more; aggressive leaders (like me!) need to listen more. Assertiveness keeps communication constructive while maintaining unity.

Mini-summary:
Assertiveness blends confidence and empathy — essential for inclusion.

When we hear something we dislike, emotion takes over.
We react before thinking, and regret what we say. The solution? Slow down your reaction.

Instead of immediately defending your opinion, pause and analyze:

• What do I actually think about this?

• Why do I think that way? What experience or evidence shaped this belief?

By mentally reviewing the basis for your opinion, you gain perspective. Within seconds, you’ve shifted from emotional reaction to rational communication.

Mini-summary:
Slowing down creates space for understanding — and understanding is inclusion in action.

Rather than starting with “I disagree” or using trigger words like “but” or “however,” use a story to present evidence and context.

Example:

“In December, I was visiting our colleagues in snowy London and met Mary Smith, the Head of Marketing. She explained that when they increased ad spend, they saw a spike in leads and a sharp drop in client acquisition costs. As Japan lags slightly behind the global recovery, we might see the same opportunity here by boosting search advertising in the next few months.”

Now, instead of bluntly saying “We should spend more on marketing,” you’ve shared evidence, context, and a relatable human narrative. The listener is mentally transported to London, visualizing the story and engaging emotionally.

Mini-summary:
Facts persuade the mind; stories persuade the heart. Together, they build inclusion.

People may dispute your opinion, but it’s harder to argue with your context.
A well-structured story turns disagreement into dialogue. If your evidence is stronger, you may persuade others — or they may persuade you. Either way, the conversation remains respectful and productive.

As economist John Maynard Keynes said,

“When my information changes, I alter my conclusions.”

That’s the spirit of inclusive communication — open-minded, evidence-based, and collaborative.

Mini-summary:
Storytelling turns debate into discovery, replacing conflict with shared learning.

• Inclusion is the foundation of meaningful diversity.

• Assertive communication balances confidence and empathy.

• Slow emotional reactions and seek the why behind your views.

• Use storytelling to present evidence with context and humanity.

• DEI grows when communication builds bridges, not barriers.

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Founded in the U.S. in 1912, Dale Carnegie Training has supported individuals and companies worldwide for over a century in leadership, sales, presentation, executive coaching, and DEI. Our Tokyo office, established in 1963, has been empowering both Japanese and multinational corporate clients ever since.