
Chapter 3 n Implementing an Effective IQ Environment 119
is meticulous, step-by-step preparation of the social ecology.
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Nemawashi is a
key tool for creating and implementing plans where all the Stakeholders have
a chance to voice concerns and needs, providing opportunity for consensus
without getting bogged down in the process.
The word nemawashi literally means “to dig around the roots” in order to
prepare a plant for transplantation. Without proper nemawashi, a bonsai tree
transplanted to new soil may die. Hence a groundwork is important.
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Nemawashi is the process of discussing problems and potential solutions with
all of those affected, to collect their ideas and get agreement on a path forward.
This consensus process, although time-consuming to obtain, helps broaden
the search for solutions, and once a decision is made, the stage is set for rapid
implementation.
Nemawashi is one of the most important tools in Japanese management.
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It is not just a tool for acquiring consensus. It is a tool that allows the major
Stakeholders in a decision to evaluate multiple alternative ideas, with possible
strengths and weaknesses in the ideas; evaluate carefully alternatives, risks,
and rewards; and come to a consensus decision. This takes time in the decision-
making process, but in the long run, the bad ideas and alternatives are weeded
out, and the optimum decision is made. Once t