#Japan #Tokyo #Organizational Development #Reiwa Special Steel #COEDAS

Transforming Legacy Steel Companies: A Collaborative Journey

In the world of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), organizational transformation is a vital aspect for sustainable growth. This article highlights a successful collaboration between COEDAS and Reiwa Special Steel, showcasing how long-term support can significantly enhance an organization's culture and effectiveness.

The Challenge of Transformation

Reiwa Special Steel, a veteran in the specialized steel industry, faced a critical juncture when Tomiyuki Nagata took on the role of president four years ago. The company had grappled with a depletion of staff and a sharp decline in clients due to a relentless pursuit of managerial efficiency. With roots tied to a larger trading company, most of the management personnel were dispatched from the parent company, leading to a disconnect between upper management and the workforce.

Under Nagata's leadership, a new set of management principles was introduced, centered around trust, employee well-being, and the pursuit of dreams. However, the initial reform efforts appeared to falter as the new philosophy didn't resonate on the ground level. Employees, especially those deeply instilled with the prior corporate culture, found it challenging to embrace this new direction.

It was at this critical moment that they sought the expertise of COEDAS. The insight shared by COEDAS, that “transforming an organization follows a sequence,” and the emphasis on altering the approach rather than trying to change people directly, resonated with Nagata. This philosophy underscored the importance of fostering genuine dialogue within the organization to cultivate a self-driven and autonomous corporate culture.

A Year of Change

The collaboration commenced with an organizational diagnosis, rendering the current state of affairs visible, followed by group coaching sessions tailored to different branches. Over a year, various programs including managerial training and one-on-one coaching for department heads were introduced. Unlike traditional training sessions that lead to the swift loss of knowledge, the coaching methodology emphasized self-reflection and the development of critical thinking.

Significant transformations within the company became evident as these initiatives matured. Daily dialogues increased among employees, revitalizing the workplace atmosphere and enhancing productivity. Management personnel, previously bound by fixed notions of leadership, began to discover their unique leadership styles, fostering supportive, collaborative relationships with their teams. Most importantly, employees began to communicate openly with Nagata, a clear indication that psychological safety had improved.

This comprehensive approach reaffirmed the belief that both people and organizations can change significantly through the right methods. Nagata realized that management does not have a definitive endpoint; organizations must continuously evolve alongside their environments. Embracing a self-driven, autonomous organizational model was not just beneficial, but essential for ongoing success.

The Philosophy of COEDAS

Misuzu Ogino, a director at COEDAS, described their approach as intentionally avoiding the “one-size-fits-all” pedagogy of conventional training. The philosophy centers around facilitating inquiry and encouraging continuous introspection, allowing members to build their problem-solving capabilities.

As SMEs often lack the resources of larger organizations to weather fierce market competition, it becomes crucial to harness existing talent to generate new forms of value. The concept of anti-fragility, which embraces uncertainty and stress as a means for growth, becomes paramount. COEDAS believes that enhancing the anti-fragility of individuals and the organization through dialogue is particularly critical for SMEs.

COEDAS dedicates its efforts to partnering with Japanese SMEs, unlocking their potential through organized development facilitated by meaningful conversations.

Company Overview

Reiwa Special Steel

• - CEO: Tomiyuki Nagata
• - Location: 1-10-15 Nihonbashi Horidomecho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
• - Business: Specializes in supplying materials used in various equipment and machinery, focusing on stainless steel and special steel. Plays a foundational role in Japan's industrial sector.
• - Website: Reiwa Special Steel

COEDAS

• - CEO: Jun Otsuka
• - Business: Provides executive coaching, organizational development systems coaching, and leadership training. Their mission emphasizes fostering the potential within organizations through dialogue until they become self-sufficient.
• - Website: COEDAS