Years ago, I worked for a Fortune 40 corporation which sported nearly 60,000 employees. As you might imagine, to get anything done required teamwork, active listening, and collaboration. Those are not usually easily achieved characteristics, but I do have a fabulous example of a team that actually worked in this manner. It included my colleagues Lynn, Sonja, and Cathy. The short version: The four of didn’t always agree on issues, but you’d never know it. When we had something important to discuss or a big decision to make, we went into one of our offices, closed the door, hashed it out, and emerged as a unified force. It was magical! I didn’t realize it then, but we were engaged in “ringi.”
In Japanese culture, ringi is a collaborative decision-making process where each member in a group contributes to and supports a decision. This approach fosters consensus and mutual respect, making it particularly effective for building unity within teams.
However, maintaining individuality in such a collaborative setting requires intention to prevent “groupthink,” where everyone’s views converge into a single perspective, sometimes at the cost of the best solution. Here are several tips to successfully engage in ringi without losing sight of your own perspective:
- Express Your Unique Viewpoint Early. In collaborative settings, it’s easy to go with the flow of majority opinion. By sharing your insights or alternative views early, you set a tone of constructive diversity that invites others to consider varied perspectives.
- Seek Clarification and Explore Details. When discussions lean toward consensus, ask clarifying questions or delve into details that may not have been fully considered. This invites team members to think deeply, encouraging a well-rounded decision-making process.
- Encourage Balanced Participation. Create opportunities for quieter members to share their views. This fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and prevents more vocal personalities from steering the conversation alone.
- Practice “Yes, And” Responses. Instead of directly opposing ideas, build on them with additions that reflect your viewpoint. This technique allows you to contribute uniquely while respecting existing ideas, reinforcing both individual input and group harmony.
- Reflect on Collective Goals. Occasionally step back and evaluate whether the decisions align with both team and personal objectives. By considering your goals alongside those of the group, you can remain aligned with the team without losing your perspective.
Using ringi effectively means balancing personal insights with group contributions. By following these strategies, you can support a collective vision while ensuring your own voice is heard, fostering a stronger, more resilient team dynamic.
With special appreciation to the fabulous Lynn, Sonja, and Cathy, Happy Networking!