How Communication Skills Power Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) in Japan

Today, every executive recognizes the strategic value of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Targets such as increasing the ratio of female managers show that the “why” of diversity is understood.
However, inclusion—the “how” of making diversity work—depends entirely on communication.

Misunderstandings and unclear messaging often create friction that blocks collaboration.
To unlock inclusion, leaders must learn to connect across different communication styles.

Mini-summary:
DEI thrives not through slogans or ratios but through daily, skillful communication.

Understanding how people express themselves reveals why miscommunication happens.
Four dominant communication styles commonly appear in teams:

1. Dominating Style — direct, decisive, focused on results.

2. Friendly Style — relationship-oriented, empathetic, harmony-driven.

3. Analytical Style — data-focused, precise, process-driven.

4. Excitable Style — expressive, energetic, and creative.

Recognizing these patterns helps us tailor messages and build trust across personality differences.

Mini-summary:
Awareness of communication styles builds bridges where bias and misunderstanding once stood.

Too often, leaders push their own communication style onto others.
Instead, observe how your team prefers to receive information and adjust accordingly.
This flexibility doesn’t weaken authority—it strengthens influence.
Once you “speak their language,” persuasion becomes natural and inclusion follows.

Mini-summary:
Adapting to others’ styles shows respect—and earns engagement.

Stories move people where data cannot.
A strong narrative—with a hook, personalization, emotional connection, and resolution—creates empathy and shared vision.
For instance, describing your own experience—“struggling through a snowy Tokyo morning to reach a key meeting”—humanizes leadership and connects across backgrounds.
Adding relatable imagery and characters turns inclusion into an emotional experience.

Mini-summary:
Storytelling gives DEI heart—it turns values into action.

When employees feel heard and understood, they engage fully.
Communication mastery develops a workplace where acceptance and curiosity replace assumption and silence.
This is not a soft skill—it’s a strategic leadership capability that drives innovation and retention.

Mini-summary:
Inclusion begins in conversation—one clear, respectful exchange at a time.

• Communication is the foundation of inclusion.

• Recognize the four styles to reduce conflict and build trust.

• Adapt your style to others to increase influence and rapport.

• Use storytelling to emotionally connect diverse teams.

• Mastering communication is the most practical path to DEI success in Japan.

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Learn how Dale Carnegie Tokyo’s leadership and DEI programs help managers communicate across styles, tell stories that unite, and build inclusive cultures that innovate.

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.