Reaching consensus is often an arduous and complicated task since we are used to having multiple and long meetings where all those involved seek to reach an agreement based on arguments, positions and discussions. These meetings are usually exhausting and involve a considerable investment of time and energy by everyone involved.
The literal meaning of Nemawashi is " stir the roots." Formerly this word was used by peasants when they had to do a transplant, so nemawashi meant digging around the roots of the tree or plant to prepare the ground. However, currently, nemawashi defines the process by which decisions are made that will lead to changes in a company, it is the art of contacting the right people in the right order and obtaining the consensus of the group.
For example: let's suppose that an employee of brand X comes up with modifying the logo. In Mexico, this worker would have to present his proposal with the bosses in a meeting and wait for the response. However in Japan the Nemawashi is performed; You tell your coworkers and you get everyone to agree. If so, the chances of your idea being accepted will be almost one hundred percent; In other words, it would no longer be a single one who presents the project, but it would be done on behalf of the department.
Nemawashi is a semi-formal, systematic and sequential consensus procedure, used in Japan, by which the approval of an idea or project proposed by each person in a significant organizational position is requested.
But what if your colleagues don't accept the proposal?
Well, this should be improved by including everyone's requests. In case your idea is very bad, by not making a formal and direct proposal, you will not look ridiculous in front of your superiors. The nemawashi process itself will make it disappear. All this, thanks to the saving prior consultation, as this Japanese philosophy is also called; this concept has important implications as the project approval process is darker than in many western countries.
In addition to consensus, nemawashi makes the organization more horizontal and forces other people to listen. This has an enormous impact on the organization regarding the efficiency of the managerial work and the motivation of the teams; It is said that thanks to nemawashi, Japanese companies rarely make mistakes and are always taking steps forward, improving day by day.
In conclusion, I consider that the way in which this concept is used influences that in its origins it has no other objective than to promote democracy in any company or group, with no other purpose than progress and that the spirit of using Nemawashi is not to negotiate or compromise "Under the table", but rather it is to enrich a proposal with the opinions of all and generate consensus where each of the people who would be affected (in a positive way surely), have the opportunity to contribute on the subject (or expose their points of difference). And all this in a context where harmony and the culture of the other are very relevant.
