#Japan #Shibuya #J-Feel #Silent Divide #Katsuaki Takahashi

Bridging the Silent Divide: New One-Day Training Program Launched

In response to the growing challenges within modern workplaces, J-Feel, a consulting firm dedicated to transforming people, organizations, and society, has recently launched a new one-day training program for managers and executives. This program, titled 'Creating a Workplace Connected Through Dialogue: Overcoming the Silent Divide,' is based on the author's profound insights from the book 'The Silent Divide in the Workplace' by Katsuaki Takahashi.

The Book Behind the Training

Published in March 2023, 'The Silent Divide in the Workplace' has resonated with many readers for its sharp depiction of the invisible divides that exist in workplaces. The associated video featuring the author on the business media platform 'PIVOT' has gained over 230,000 views, stirring conversations and generating empathy among professionals. The term 'silent divide' refers to a state where individuals avoid essential dialogues due to differing backgrounds, beliefs, and values, leading to emotional distance.

As remote work and new working styles become increasingly common, many workplaces are experiencing communication issues, characterized by misunderstandings and reluctance to express genuine feelings. This training program aims to help participants identify these invisible barriers and foster a sense of 'community-ship' where members support each other and achieve collective outcomes through dialogue instead of mere discussions.

Understanding the Structural Divide

The misunderstandings that occur within organizations are often mistaken for mere communication issues. However, they are actually signs of a structural divide that has developed over time due to varying standpoints, values, and psychological distances from one another. This divide can significantly hinder innovation and lower employee engagement.

Program Outline

The one-day training program includes three key steps that help participants understand the causes of divides and learn how to exceed them through dialogue:
- Recognizing the Divide: Participants become aware of the silent divides within their workplace and understand the context behind them, encouraging personal responsibility.
- Reconstructing Relationships: Through experiential learning, participants will differentiate between discussions and genuine dialogue, nurturing relationships based on trust, empathy, and safety.
- Practicing Community-ship: Instead of a top-down approach, participants will learn to cultivate community-ship where all members can connect and create shared achievements.


For more details about the program, please visit here.

Free Online Experience Session

To provide a sneak peek into the program's essence, J-Feel is hosting a free online experience session on December 3rd, from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM. The first 20 participants will receive a complimentary workbook!

• - Date: December 3, 2023
• - Time: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
• - Location: Online

Sign up and find more details here.

About the Author

Katsuaki Takahashi, the founding member of J-Feel, has a comprehensive background in consulting, having previously worked with Nomura Research Institute and Watson Wyatt. He has been a professor of innovation at the Graduate School of Science and Technology at Tokyo University of Science since 2013 and a visiting professor at Musashino University since 2018. His book 'The Disgruntled Workplace', co-authored in 2008, was a bestseller, igniting a movement towards rejuvenating the mental landscape of working individuals in Japan.

Takahashi commented, 'Seventeen years ago, when I released 'The Disgruntled Workplace', the problems were overt, making solutions more straightforward. In today's workplaces, complaints are less audible, and clashes are rare. However, silent divides are still growing, leading to sudden resignations.' During this training, participants will engage in practical workshops that help them acquire the skills necessary for effective dialogue in real workplace scenarios.

This program aims to empower not just managers, but also anyone feeling a sense of discomfort in their workplace as they begin to take steps toward building an organization founded on trust and respect instead of division.

Book Information

• - Release Date: March 21, 2025
• - Author: Katsuaki Takahashi
• - Publisher: Discover Books (Discover 21, Inc.)
• - Price: 1,430 yen (1,300 yen excluding tax)

Purchase and learn more about the book here.

About J-Feel

J-Feel defines 'organizational emotion' as the collective feelings and moods that ripple through an organization. They have conducted management training for approximately 250 companies and over 10,000 individuals. Their mission is to foster a workplace culture where individuals genuinely enjoy their jobs and feel connected to their company, creating a chain reaction of positivity throughout society.

'Organizational emotion' is a registered trademark of J-Feel.