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So managers must create a harmonious workplace where all staff feel they are empowered, trusted and valued, and will be willing to give their best. The human-touch approach plays a key role in managing people effectively. I am sharing the management tips I culled while working under Japanese bosses at the beginning of my career.

Providing a sense of participation: Managers should let the staff be informed of the whole task even though each of them is responsible for only part of it. When staff understand how their assignments are related to others' and how their work has an impact on the team, they will try to produce a visibly better outcome.

I remember how proud I was to be assigned the task of drafting a market-survey questionnaire for the launch of "Isuzu Spacecab" pickup in the first year of my marketing career. My boss explained the whole task and its impact on our future. I worked wholeheartedly, as I thought it was valued by my boss.

Open-mindedness: Employees must be encouraged to make suggestions for improvement. Managers should listen to staff's opinions and accept constructive criticisms. The "follow the leader" strategy is a matter of the past.

Psychological involvement: Managers must create "intimate environments" in which the staff's emotional needs are taken into account. Psychological support includes recognising achievement, praising, passing on positive feedback from superiors, etc.

The use of threats always leads to resistance and avoidance. Negative check or fault-finding management results in demotivation and a "police versus thief" atmosphere, which benefits no one.